The government has decided to ban another 54 mobile apps of Chinese origin as they are seen to posing a “threat to India’s security” amid the heavy build-up of Chinese troops on the border.

The apps banned by the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology include those belonging to large China tech firms such as Tencent, Alibaba and NetEase, and are re-branded versions of apps already banned by India in 2020, according to sources.

The new list of banned apps include “Garena Free Fire- Illuminate" which has emerged as a popular alternative to PUBG Mobile. The others include clones of apps that were already banned in India since 2020 but have been re-branded and re-launched on the sly.

Among the apps being banned are Beauty Camera: Sweet Selfie HD, Beauty Camera – Selfie Camera, Equalizer & Bass Booster, CamCard for SalesForce Ent, Isoland 2: Ashes of Time Lite, Viva Video Editor, Tencent Xriver, Onmyoji Chess, Onmyoji Arena, AppLock and Dual Space Lite.

According to the Home Ministry, the 54 apps collect sensitive user data.

“These collected real-time data are being misused and transmitted to servers located in a hostile country. This will enable them to compile huge personal data to mine, collate, analyse and profile by the elements who are hostile to the sovereignty and integrity of India and for activities detrimental to national security,” the IT ministry said in a statement.

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