Centre blocks 14 mobile messenger apps used by terrorists

The Centre has banned 14 mobile messenger applications which were allegedly being used by terror groups, largely in Jammu and Kashmir, to communicate with their supporters and Over Ground Workers (OGW) and also receive instructions from Pakistan.

The banned apps include Crypviser, Enigma, Safeswiss, Wickrme, Mediafire, Briar, BChat, Nandbox, Conion, IMO, Element, Second Line, Zangi, and Threema, sources in the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology said.

These apps have been blocked under Section 69A of the Information Technology Act, 2000.

The ministry took this action following the recommendation of security and intelligence agencies.

A list of apps that pose a threat to national security and do not follow Indian laws was prepared, and the concerned ministry was informed of the request to ban them.

Earlier, intelligence agencies have informed the government that terrorists use these apps to spread anti-India propaganda in Jammu and Kashmir.

While monitoring the terror activities, various government agencies found, terrorists use these apps to communicate among themselves. Even the government agencies found that these apps do not have representatives in India, and it is difficult to track down activities happening on the app," an official said.

Most of these mobile apps are specially designed to maintain the anonymity of the users as well as their in-built features also make it difficult in finding out the entities associated with them.

Earlier, the Centre banned several Chinese apps, accusing them of being "prejudicial to the sovereignty and integrity of India, defence of India, security of the state and public order."

In total, around 250 Chinese apps have been banned over the past few years, including popular ones such as TikTok, Shareit, WeChat, Helo, Likee, UC News, Bigo Live, UC Browser, Xender, Camscanner and as well as popular mobile games such as PUBG Mobile.