Messaging apps axed in India’s terror fight

BySheharyar Malik May 2, 2023May 2, 2023

Indian government bans 14 messaging apps over terrorism concerns.
Ban won’t affect previous downloads, but apps won’t be available for future downloads in India.
14 messaging apps, including Crypviser, Enigma, Safeswiss, and Wickrme, have been banned in India for being used by terrorists.

The Indian government has banned 14 messaging apps.13 of 14 apps are used solely for secure messaging, although one of them is used for messaging as well as storing media.

Table of Contents

The full list of these recently banned apps is;

Crypviser
Enigma
Safeswiss
Wickrme
Mediafire
Briar
BChat
Nandbox
Conion
IMO
Element
Second line
Zangi
Threema

According to the Indian government, these apps were used by terrorists in Jammu and Kashmir for logistics, spreading terror, and propaganda. The apps were banned in compliance with Section 69A of India’s IT law. According to a Government spokesperson, these apps don’t have representatives in India, which make it difficult to track activities happening on the apps.

These apps will not be available to download for users in India in the future, although the ban will not affect people who have downloaded them in the past.

Were these apps used by terrorists?

According to Indian media reports, these apps were reportedly used by terrorists in Jammu and Kashmir.

What is Section 69A of India’s IT law, which was used to ban these apps?

Section 69A of India’s IT law allows the government to block public access to any information online that it deems necessary for national security and other purposes.

Will the ban affect users who have downloaded these apps in the past?

No, the ban will not affect people who have already downloaded these apps in the past. However, these apps will not be available for download in the future.

Can the Indian government track activities on these banned apps?

According to a government spokesperson, these apps don’t have representatives in India, which makes it difficult to track activities happening on the apps.

Sheharyar Malik

I'm Sheharyar, an avid Android fan and tech geek who has been using Android smartphones since I first started using mobile phones. With a genuine passion for technology, I have acquired extensive knowledge and experience in the Android ecosystem. I love exploring the latest features and advancements in Android and sharing valuable insights with others.