The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY), Government of India has issued orders to block 232 apps operated by overseas entities, including Chinese for being involved in betting, gambling, and unauthorized loan service.
“The order to block 138 apps that were involved in betting, gambling, and money laundering was issued last evening. Separately, an order to block 94 apps engaged in unauthorized loan service has also been issued. These apps were being operated by offshore entities, including Chinese. They were posing a threat to the economic stability of the country,” PTI quoted an official as having said.
The official did not disclose the name of the apps that have been blocked.
The decision to ban these apps was taken after it was confirmed that the apps violate Section 69 of the IT Act as they contain material that is prejudicial to the sovereignty and integrity of India.
This decision was also based on multiple complaints from individuals who received harassment and extortion calls after taking small loans from these apps.