A red flag to apps termed under China’s data-sharing norm
The simmering geopolitical tensions have fueled cyber-fight between India and China. The ban on 59 Chinese-owned apps last month is probably seeing more on its way. More Chinese owned apps seem to be under the radar of national security and user privacy. Reports suggest that officials are scanning as many as 275 more apps which are possibly a threat.
Just like the old list included the very popular social media app TikTok, it is believed that the latest one may include the incredibly popular game PUBG Mobile, eCommerce platform AliExpress, popular game Ludo World as well as apps like Resso and ULike from TikTok-owner ByteDance.
“Some of these apps have been red-flagged due to security reasons while others have been listed for violation of data sharing and privacy concerns,” an official explained.
In China, the National Intelligence Law of 2017 governs all tech companies that are based in China or are under Chinese ownership. The law mandates all businesses to share any and all information that the Chinese Government may ask for. This is something that is worrying governments around the world, including India.
This is in addition to examining the alleged flow of data from these apps to China that poses a threat to sovereignty and integrity of India, according to officials who pointed to what they termed as China’s data-sharing norm that requires companies of Chinese-origin to share data with the home country, irrespective of where they operate.
Under suspicion list not only includes apps by Chinese tech giants including Xiaomi, Tencent, Alibaba, and Bytedance, but also developers and companies Meitu, LBE Tech, Perfect Corp, Sina Corp, Netease Games, and Yoozoo Global.
