Context:

• Over 200 Chinese apps, which were accessed by millions of Indian users, have been blocked by the Indian government.

Why did the government ban such apps?

• These apps were banned because they are prejudicial to sovereignty and integrity of India, defence of India, security of State and public order. 
• Several complaints point to that these apps are “stealing and transmitting users’ data in an unauthorized manner to servers which have locations outside India”.

What is Section 69A of IT Act, 2000?

• The government has banned these many apps by invoking Section 69A of IT Act, 2000.
• Section 69A of the Information Technology Act, 2000, gives the Central government the power to block public access to any information online — whether on websites or mobile apps.
• Under Section 69A, if a website threatens India’s defence, its sovereignty and integrity, friendly relations with foreign countries and public order, the government can ban it, after following due procedure.
• The detailed procedures to do so are listed under the Information Technology (Procedure and Safeguards for Blocking Access of Information by Public) Rules, 2009. 
• Apart from this, a court may also issue directions for blocking information online. 
• The Department of Telecommunications, too, can issue blocking orders to internet service providers, to enforce licensing conditions.

Effect on China

• Loss of access to the Indian market will sharply affect the ambitions of the Internet giants emerging from China.

Criticism of India’s decision

• Indian approach should have followed due process, where the focus was on ensuring compliance with the law instead of straight away blocking these apps en masse.
• Millions of Indians who were engaging with these platforms have to scramble for alternatives. 

Conclusion:

• A country with aspirations of global leadership of tech, an industry which thrives on global networks and rules should have chosen appropriate strategy.
• Data protection law is a dire need along with a more considered approach to tech regulation.

Reference:

1. https://theprint.in/opinion/can-chinese-apps-appeal-india-ban-section-69a-of-it-act-has-answer/455316/#:~:text=Section%2069A%20of%20the%20Information%20Technology%20Act%2C%202000%2C%20was%20introduced,on%20websites%20or%20mobile%20apps.&text=Apart%20from%20this%2C%20a%20court,directions%20for%20blocking%20information%20online. 
2. https://www.thehindu.com/opinion/editorial/appropriate-strategy-the-hindu-editorial-on-india-banning-more-china-apps-including-pubg/article32526614.ece