The relation of many countries with China is in the status of tension. Chinese apps have been banned in some countries like India. This action, however, is very sweeping, has an impact on many applications, and is taken as a step for national security and safety concept. It would be a warning to the big Chinese businesses in India, and in China itself. The ban on Chinese Apps is a knee-jerk action and is a formal challenge that requires strategic action. This is a blow to China’s economy which is needed at this hour. The article focuses on the tensions at LAC, impacts of this ban and various other aspects related to international trade and security.
Introduction
The Coronavirus or the “Chinese-virus” has brought a lot of changes around the world and China has hampered its relation with almost every country around the globe. Amid growing tensions with China, the Indian Government through its Department of Electronics and Information Technology recently blocked various Chinese applications including Tik Tok, Shein, WeChat, etc. Blocking Chinese apps has had a huge impact on the Chinese economy. It is the most visible indicator of India’s slow decline from China, as it has an emotional and economic impact. The move comes after the current suspension of the Line of Actual control (LAC) in Ladakh by Chinese troops. This marks the largest vacuum compared to Chinese technology companies.
The government has decided to block these 59 applications to protect “Indian sovereignty and integrity”, exercising powers under Section 69A of the Information Technology Act (IT) read with the relevant provisions of Information Technology (Public Procedure and Procedures for Prohibition of Access to Public Information) 2009 Act. This interim order may be taken under the immediate jurisdiction of the Restrictions Act which allows the government to terminate any notices or hearing requirements within 48 hours. During this 48-hour period, the government must convene a committee to seek their recommendations. After the 48-hour period has elapsed, the IT secretary must appeal the final decision to remove the interim limit and open access, or complete the blocking order.
How Big Is The User Base In India For These Restricted Apps?
Sensor Tower rating shows a social video sharing app, TikTok, for example, saw about 611 million downloads in India during the app’s lifetime, while ratings for active users varied by a staggering 200 million. According to a media report, the ShareIt file sharing tool has an estimated 400 million users. Stat counter ranks the second UC Browser owned by Alibaba in the Indian market share of 10.19%, behind Google Chrome (78.2%). Some reports estimate its users to over 130 million.
Why Was This Step Important?
Many of us wonder what caused this ban. Many complaints about the misuse of other mobile apps found on Android and iOS platforms for the unlawful theft and transfer of user data to unauthorized users on locations outside of India were recorded to protect the sovereignty and integrity of India blocking applications. U.S. senators have even demanded a thorough investigation into these applications.
Reasons For Prohibition
• Data security
India’s Department of Information Technology said the ban was the result of “numerous complaints from various sources” about applications “that were stealing and transmitting user information in an unauthorized way”. Many Chinese applications have been linked to data privacy disputes, and are accused of sharing sensitive information with the Chinese government. U.S. senators even demanded an investigation into TikTok, which strongly denied the allegations.
• China National Intelligence Act
China’s National Intelligence Act directs and encourages private companies to cooperate with national intelligence agencies and to share information with them. This means that data collected by Chinese applications from potential users can be accessed by the Chinese Government. There is also a lot of evidence that data that we carelessly copy to the clipboard, either your OTP bank or other phone number or personal information is available and readable through these applications. Leaks of such sensitive information could pose a significant threat to the users of these applications and to our country.
• Not The First Time
This is not the first time Chinese applications have been banned in India. In 2017, Alibaba’s UC Browser was investigated for allegedly leaking mobile data to Indian users. And that year, the Indian defense ministry asked all armed personnel and officials to uninstall 42 Chinese applications, branding them as “spyware”. Some, however, believe that the timing of the ban is not automatic, but rather a response to border events.
• WTO
The officials have ignored Beijing’s controversies and hidden threats to drag India to the World Trade Organization (WTO) with New Delhi’s decision on Monday (June 29) to ban 59 Chinese mobile applications such as TikTok, UC Browser and WeChat, expressing concern that these “hurt”. Indians, Indian defense, state security and social order “. But India has no agreement on this issue with China. Therefore, India can easily defend it under the interest clause of security and sovereignty.
Impact On China
In China, India is one of the major growing and important app markets due to cheap and accessible internet services and many consumers in India. As a result of this ban, as adopted by the Indian government, China could face many economic setbacks. On the other hand, the ban may have put China’s top technology firms in what many thought to be the world’s largest, unused digital market. In addition, this ban could set an example for other countries that have raised concerns about the universal existence of applications such as TikTok and the privacy threats it brings about data from their users. Meanwhile, Beijing has made hidden threats to take the matter to the World Trade Organization, in response to the ban. India and China are both members of the WTO and are governed by their own laws that limit territorial restrictions on trade across borders.
Chinese Reaction To Ban
The Chinese government has said it is “deeply concerned” about India’s move to block their 59 programs and “confirms the situation”. Responding to the ban, Chinese spokesman Zhao Lijian blamed India for failing to ensure user safety. He said India has a responsibility to uphold the legal and legitimate rights of foreign investors, including Chinese ones. Lijian added that the Chinese government regularly asks its traders to comply with foreign trade laws and they do so in their dealings with India.
Will This Digital Strike To Control International Relations Affect Trade?
The timing of the ban makes it wise to analyze this move in the context of the political conflict between Indian and Chinese troops in the Galwan Valley.
There is a big difference in military power in India and China with the latter harvest. The huge trade deficit in India (about $ 50 billion) with China, driven by India’s dependence on Chinese goods in various sectors, has also reduced its ability to impose economic sanctions without significantly disrupting its growth, severely hampering retaliatory measures available to the ruling government.
There is no doubt that it is important for the government to take part in the face of Chinese expansion. It does not help that both India and China have nuclear power, which makes it very important to combat any risk of expansion. While choosing to use a technical rating may be well-intentioned in aligning two signature interests and preventing unnecessary excess, it may not have the desired effect. These applications are not scratching the surface of the Chinese pole in the Indian economy.
This ban is likely to list China’s top technology firms in what many consider to be the largest, most inaccessible digital market. In addition, this ban could provide an example to other countries that have expressed concern about the spread of applications such as TikTok and the threat of privacy created in relation to citizen data.
In response to the ban, Beijing has cut threats to cover up the lawsuit against the World Trade Organization. Both Indians and Chinese are members of the WTO and are governed by their own laws that prevent territorial restrictions from cross-border trade.
To What Extent Is The Ban A Legal Domestic Law Compared To The Barrier To Trade And Breach Of Promises Made To Other WTO Members?
To address this, the first thing that needs to be resolved is whether the regulatory framework for evaluating the app blocking is the General Agreement on Trade in Services (GATS) or the General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade (GATT). Confusion arises because the technology considered today was not simply in the minds of the designers of some of these agreements.
It would be tempting to say that the clothes ordered in the Shein of the app, for example, include good and engaging GATT movements and apps like UC Browser are services under GATS.
Conclusion
Break To China
The move will counteract China’s efforts to become a technology expert. Blocked apps have a large user base in India. The move could also urge other nations to look into the issue of data security and could have a profound impact on China. Also, this will provide China’s support and a single policy.
Reduce Dependence On China
The move will also reduce digital dependence on India. And the start of Indians and established companies will go a long way in acquiring a user base. This will make downloading of many Indian applications and will enhance our Prime Minister’s effort to voice local sound. People have started using other Indian methods in these apps and are very happy with the performance.
Local Data Processing
Data processing in the Indian context simply means that companies that collect important data about consumers have to store and process such data within Indian borders. Prior to the RBI’s announcement of the deadline in September last year, many details from India had not been retained within the country. Usually it was stored in a cloud database outside of India. A call for sensitive information by the RBI has convinced many companies such as Paytm, WhatsApp and Google to move their data warehouses to India on October 15, 2019. The move could bring more investment to data centers in India.
The Need For Stricter Rules
India is yet to pass a strict data privacy law and the latest version of this framework gives broad powers to government intelligence agencies – much like China’s legal framework. We can think of a complete digital strategy that carefully examines all external influences on our core information infrastructure rather than responding continuously to external events. Global energy speculation starts at home; we need to get our policies right first. New Delhi must ensure that the victims of India’s geo-economic zeal are not Indian citizens and consumers.
As a result, the ban on Chinese applications has brought many challenges with regard to data privacy and security. In this regard, it makes a strong point made by India in the world about taking bold steps to protect the country’s sensitive information. The timing of the ban makes it wise to analyze this move in the context of the political conflict between Indian and Chinese troops in the Galwan Valley. This ban will serve as a warning to all technology companies to follow the rules and keep the information in place. And this is also a great opportunity for Indian companies to launch and improve their apps as an alternative to banned apps. As responsible citizens of the country, we must all pledge not to use these programs and support our government’s decision to make India a strong, economic and political country again.
FAQ’s
Why Was It Necessary To Ban Chinese App In India?
Ans. Many complaints about the misuse of other mobile apps found on Android and iOS platforms for the unlawful theft and transfer of user data to unauthorized users on locations outside of India were recorded to protect the sovereignty and integrity of India blocking applications.
According To Which Law This Step Was Taken?
Ans. Powers are exercised under Section 69A of the Information Technology Act (IT) read with the relevant provisions of Information Technology (Public Procedure and Procedures for Prohibition of Access to Public Information) 2009 Act.
What Were The Impacts Focused On While Taking This Step?
Ans. The ban may have put China’s top technology firms in what many thought to be the world’s largest, unused digital market. China would also face economic setbacks.
How Many Users China Lost Due The Chinese App Ban In India?
Sensor Tower rating shows a social video sharing app, TikTok, for example, saw about 611 million downloads in India during the app’s lifetime, while ratings for active users varied by a staggering 200 million. According to a media report, the ShareIt file sharing tool has an estimated 400 million users. Stat counter ranks the second UC Browser owned by Alibaba in the Indian market share of 10.19%, behind Google Chrome (78.2%). Some reports estimate its users to over 130 million.
What Was The Chinese Reaction?
They blamed India for failing to ensure user safety. According to them India has a responsibility to uphold the legal and legitimate rights of foreign investors, including Chinese ones and they failed.
References
https://thewire.in/tech/india-china-apps-global-trade-debate
