The Centre government has blocked around 14 mobile messenger apps, citing security concerns. The apps were reportedly used by terror outfits in Jammu & Kashmir.

The apps provide anonymity to users to receive messages from Pakistan and help spread them. The over ground workers (OGW) of various terrorist groups were using these apps in their operations. The government has blocked the apps under Section 69A of the Information Technology (IT) Act, 2000.

Several apps associated with betting and gambling have also been blocked by the regulators. However, the recently impacted apps were blocked because they do not have any representatives in India. Further, it did not have any offices across the country. Moreover, several URLs, websites, and channels have also been blocked for their alleged connections with anti-state activities.

Apps such as Enigma, Crypviser, Safeswiss, Mediafire, BChat, Wickrme, Nandbox, IMO, Element, Zangi, and Threema are among the 14 mobile messenger apps that have been blocked.

The crackdown occurred after input from intelligence agencies that found the OGWs used these platforms to further their activities in Jammu & Kashmir and other regions across the country.

This year, the government has already blocked 200 Chinese lending apps. The Centre stated that the crackdown was not based on the origin of the apps. Rather, it was based on the illegality, user data harm, and criminality they have demonstrated.

The government is planning to replace the current IT Act, 2000 with the Digital India Bill, which will provide the government with powers to issue orders to block online content.