Recently 59 applications available for use in India have been found breaching privacy of Indians as they were involved in suspicious avenue. Many users have complained that the mobile apps is stealing and surreptitiously transmitting users data to a server outside India, thus the data transparency was compromised.
Government has invoked the power under section 69A of Information technology Act, 2000, wherein, “Power to issue directions for blocking for public access of any information through any computer resource”. Indian Cyber Crime Coordination centre has also sent an exhaustive recommendation for blocking these malicious applications. As per ministry, these apps engaged in activities injurious to sovereignty and integrity of India, defence of India, the security of India and public order.
The intermediary who fails to comply with the direction issued shall be punished with imprisonment for a term which may extend to 7 years and shall also liable to fine. The term ‘intermediary’ is defined under Section 2(w) of Information technology Act, 2000, which can be understood as, telecom service provider, hosting service provider, search engines, cyber cafe, online auction sites, e-market places, internet service provider, online payment sites can only held liable for any breach of the aforementioned order.
The act of Indian government shouldn’t be construed as targeting China, as it will breach the world trade organization rules, a fair business opportunity should be provided to all. Though the device used by Indian government is justified, as it doesn’t manifest to circumvent Chinese business, though the intention may or may not be.
Debarring 59 apps from public use
