India has decided to remove 59 Chinese apps from Google Play Store and Apple's App Store. We now have Clash of Kings and Mobile Legends banned, along with TikTok and UC Browser. Tensions along India’s Line of Actual Control with China have been rising over the past couple of weeks and are showing no signs of slowing down. Now, the friction between the two countries has moved to the app world resulting in Mobile Legends banned.
During this time of conflict, many citizens on the Indian side had taken up initiatives to boycott Chinese goods and apps from their phone and turn to desi alternatives. Rumours had been going around on social media claiming that the Ministry of IT had issued an order that saw Mobile Legends banned along with other apps like TikTok. Many gamers will be in for a shock when they discover Clash of Kings and Mobile Legends banned.
Why was Mobile Legends banned?
While there has been news of Chinese companies collecting data, we are still unsure whether that is the reason why we saw Mobile Legends banned. A government press release announcing the ban stated: "The Ministry of Information Technology, invoking it’s power under section 69A of the Information Technology Act read with the relevant provisions of the Information Technology (Procedure and Safeguards for Blocking of Access of Information by Public) Rules 2009 and in view of the emergent nature of threats has decided to block 59 apps since in view of the information available they are engaged in activities which is prejudicial to sovereignty and integrity of India, defence of India, security of state and public order".
It further states that the Ministry of Information Technology has received "many representations raising concerns from citizens regarding security of data and risk to privacy relating to operation of certain apps. The Computer Emergency Response Team (CERT-IN) has also received many representations from citizens regarding security of data and breach of privacy impacting upon public order issues.”
(Also Read: Has #BoycottChina hurt Mobile Legends: Bang Bang?)
The 59 Chinese apps banned are as follows:
- TikTok
- Mobile Legends
- Shareit
- Kwai
- UC Browser
- Baidu map
- Shein
- Clash of Kings
- DU battery saver
- Helo
- Likee
- YouCam makeup
- Mi Community
- CM Browers
- Virus Cleaner
- APUS Browser
- ROMWE
- Club Factory
- Newsdog
- Beauty Plus
- UC News
- QQ Mail
- Xender
- QQ Music
- QQ Newsfeed
- Bigo Live
- SelfieCity
- Mail Master
- Parallel Space
- Mi Video Call Xiaomi
- WeSync
- ES File Explorer
- Viva Video QU Video Inc
- Meitu
- Vigo Video
- New Video Status
- DU Recorder
- Vault-Hide
- Cache Cleaner DU App studio
- DU Cleaner
- DU Browser
- Hago Play With New Friends
- Cam Scanner
- Clean Master Cheetah Mobile
- Wonder Camera
- Photo Wonder
- QQ Player
- We Meet
- Sweet Selfie
- Baidu Translate
- Vmate
- QQ International
- QQ Security Center
- QQ Launcher
- U Video
- V fly Status Video
- DU Privacy
It seems that the Anti-China sentiment has grown stronger now that we have Mobile Legends banned. The game had been going strong on the list of top apps, placing at #48 on the Google Play Store since April of 2020. Before the Mobile Legends ban, the game was picking up pace in the Indian market with local tournaments happening and a growing community. Unfortunately, with Mobile Legends banned, the community’s plans for more would have to wait until the government decides the future course of action.
(Also Read: Mobile Legends: Bang Bang Reveals Project “NEXT”)
