Indian Army on Mobile Clearout Mission Amid Data Security Concerns

The latest notice comes as a national security protocol asking army personnel to remove the supposed malicious apps

Many Chinese apps are under the scanner of intelligence agencies. 

(Photo: BloombergQuint)

More than 42 apps are under scanner of the Indian Army, who have asked their soldiers to remove them, and format their phones after doing so. The development has been reported by The Print, which has quoted an official Army document that lists out the name of apps, which they feel circumvents the data security of the country.

Army personnel have been ordered to remove apps like WeChat, Share It and TrueCaller among others, according to this report, as intelligence agencies suspect data from their Android/iOS devices might be falling into the hands of Chinese hackers.

In addition to these apps, the agencies have also warned the personnel from using apps like UC News and UC Browser, which is believed to pass on user data to Chinese hackers.

Also Read: Alibaba’s UC Browser Goes Kaput from Play Store, But Why?

The notice was issued after officials were informed these apps could carry spyware or some other malicious bug under its skin, which basically puts national security in jeopardy.

Apps To be Removed:

• WeChat
• Weibo
• UC Browser
• ShareIt
• ES File Explorer
• Mi Store
• Mail Master
• QQ Launcher
• DU Battery Saver
• Clean Master
• TrueCaller

It’s hard to ascertain the reason for apps like TrueCaller being mentioned in the list (Sweden-based firm), but the presence of WeChat, Weibo and ShareIt among others is hardly surprising.

Data privacy is a big concern, and with the growing cyber threat posed by hackers, it’s good to see the Indian Army taking stern measures.

Nobody still knows how these apps are supposedly sharing data, but nevertheless, the security agencies might have felt the need to tighten the security parameters from any attacks.

Also Read: Doklam Standoff: Who’s Involved & Why’s India Bothered?

This activity might have also been undertaken, after the recent Doklam standoff between India and China, which finally came to an amicable resolution.

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