No official communication to block 59 Chinese apps, say Apple, Google

No official communication to block 59 Chinese apps, say Apple, Google

Pankaj.Doval@timesgroup.com

New Delhi  01.07.2020

: A day after the government ordered the “blocking” of 59 Chinese apps, some of them, such as TikTok and Club Factory, decided to approach the Centre seeking to clarify their position, while maintaining that they were compliant with Indian regulations.

The statements came as Apple and Google said they were yet to receive official communication to remove all the 59 Chinese apps from their platforms.

As a result, some of the apps such as CamScanner could be downloaded on devices even on Tuesday — 24 hours after the ministry of electronics and IT announced the government decision to “block” apps since they were seen to be accessing devices and sharing data.

Apple has received an order under Section 69A of the IT Act to remove the popular Chinese video sharing app TikTok from its App store, sources told TOI.

Orders for the removal of the remaining 58 apps, including UC Browser, Club Factory and Shein was yet to be received till late Tuesday evening. Google, which runs the ubiquitous Play Store in Android, had received official orders to remove around 20 apps so far, sources said.

“We don’t implement orders based on mere press releases. We need clearly-defined instructions based on existing rules governing the content and app eco-system,” said an executive. Official sources said the IT ministry has asked the department of telecom to instruct the internet service providers and telecom operators to take down the apps, while also blocking the content on those already downloaded.

An Apple executive said that removing an app “randomly, without any government order” will make the company liable for action. Entities representing TikTok and Club Factory said they have not violated any Indian law. TikTok, the first one to pull out its app from the Apple and Google Play stores, said that it will approach the government.

NO TO CHINA: Working Journalist of India members urge citizens to stop using Chinese apps in New Delhi on Tuesday