India bans TikTok, other Chinese mobile apps

India has banned TikTok video app and dozens of other mobile apps developed by Chinese firms over security and privacy concerns.

The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology said 59 apps are being banned as there have been "raging concerns on aspects relating to data security and safeguarding the privacy" of Indians using them.

The banned apps include WeChat, Shareit, Cam Scanner, Kwai, UC Browser, Baidu map, Virus Cleaner and Newsdog.

The ministry said the decision was made after receiving complaints about misuse of some mobile apps available on Android and iOS platforms "for stealing and surreptitiously transmitting" user data to servers located outside India.

"The compilation of these data, its mining and profiling by elements hostile to national security and defence of India, which ultimately impinges upon the sovereignty and integrity of India, is a matter of very deep and immediate concern which requires emergency measures," the ministry said in a statement on Monday evening.

The move comes in the backdrop of the ongoing India-China border tensions, which have led to military buildup by both sides in the Ladakh region.

-- BERNAMA