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Indian Army bans 89 apps to prevent sensitive data leaks: Sources

Army sources say the ban is to prevent sensitive information from leaking

Over a week after the Centre banned 59 apps of Chinese origin or with Chinese links from app stores in India, the Defence Ministry has instructed soldiers and officers of the Indian Army to delete 89 apps from their mobile devices, including news apps like Daily Hunt, dating apps like Tinder, social networking apps like Facebook, TikTok, video-conferencing apps like Zoom and gaming apps like PUBG.

According to Army sources, sensitive information is being leaked via these apps. The Army has said that strict action will be taken against those who do not comply with this order. The list of 89 apps includes many of 59 that were already banned.

Popular social media apps Facebook and Instagram have also been banned from use.

A senior official said that this order was issued as soldiers have increasingly been targeted and honey-trapped online, especially by Pakistan's intelligence agency ISI.

The Indian Army claims that Pakistan and China have been using leaked information from these apps to create trouble on the border and Line of Actual Control (LAC).

Earlier, the Army had instructed its soldiers and officials to stay clear of using WhatApp for official purposes. Officers posted on sensitive posts were also asked to delete their Facebook accounts. Carrying smartphones onto bases and dockyards has been prohibited.

It is well known that many apps collect data from their users and, in the absence of a data protection law, the data of Indian users can be sent outside the country. The app ban could help prevent sensitive information about the military from being leaked.

Here is the list of 89 apps prohibited by the Indian Army

Messaging Platform

WeChat, QQ, Kik, ooVoo, Nimbuzz, Hello, Qzone, Share Chat, Viber, Line, IMO, Snow, To Tok, Hike

News apps

Daily Hunt, News Dog

Networking apps

Facebook, Instagram, Baidu, Snapchat, Ello

Video Hosting

Tik Tok, Likee, Samosa, Kwali

Content Sharing

ShareIt, Xender, Zapya

Web Browsers

UC Browser, UC Browser Mini

Video and Live Streaming

Zoom, LiveMe, BigoLive, Fast Films, Vmate, Uplive, Vigo Video

Utility apps

CamScanner, Beauty Plus, True Caller

Gaming apps

PUBG, Clash of Kings, All Tencent gaming apps, Mobile Legends

E-Commerce

AliExpress, Club Factory, Shein, Romwe, Modility, Chinabrands, Gearbest, Banggood, MiniInTheBox, TinyDeal, Dhhgate, LightinTheBox, DX, EricDress, Zaful, Tbdress, Rosegal

Dating Apps

Tinder, TrulyMadly, Coffee Meets Bagel, OkCupid, Hinge, Bumble, Tantan, Woo, Azar, Happn, Aisle

Antivirus

360 Security

Online Book Reading apps

Pratilipi

Health apps

Heal of Y

Lifestyle apps

POPXO

Knowledge apps

Vokal

Music apps

Hungama, Songs.pk

Micro-Blogging

Tumblr, Reddit, FriendFeed, Private Blogs, Yelp