The Indian government has blocked 652 mobile applications over data security and other malpractices, the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology informed the Lok Sabha.
The blocking was carried out under Section 69A of the IT Act, which allows the government to restrict access to online content in the interest of sovereignty, security and public order.
However, the government's response did not address several specific questions raised by Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, including the number of Chinese-origin apps still operating in India under rebranded versions.
India has banned over 300 Chinese mobile applications since June 2020, but many have resurfaced on Android and iOS app stores under rebranded or altered versions.
The government also highlighted new CCTV security rules, including disclosing hardware origins, testing for vulnerabilities, and mandatory lab certification, but did not share details on CCTV camera procurement or AI system security protocols.
