CHINESE APPS BANNED IN INDIA

TOPIC: IR

Context- The government has banned 54 more apps which have either originated in China or have some Chinese connection.

e.g. Video editing apps such as Viva Video Editor- Snack Video Maker , games such as Onmyoji Chess and Conquer Online II, PUBG, have been banned.

Concept-

The new apps have been banned using emergency powers under Section 69 of the Information Technology Act.

Section 69 of IT Act:

It confers on the Central and State governments the power to issue directions “to intercept, monitor or decrypt any information generated, transmitted, received or stored in any computer resource”.
The grounds on which these powers may be exercised are:
- In the interest of the sovereignty or integrity of India, defence of India, the security of the state.
- Friendly relations with foreign states.
- Public order, or for preventing incitement to the commission of any cognizable offence relating to these.
- For investigating any offence.
Process of Blocking Internet Websites: Section 69A, for similar reasons and grounds (as stated above), enables the Centre to ask any agency of the government, or any intermediary, to block access to the public of any information generated, transmitted, received or stored or hosted on any computer resource.