ByteDance to Discuss Matters; Indian Authorities Urge Telecom Companies to Block Prohibited Chinese Applications
The Indian government has taken a significant step in its ongoing tensions with China by ordering telecom companies and internet providers to block access to 59 Chinese-origin apps. Among the apps banned are popular platforms like ByteDance's TikTok and Alibaba's UC News.
The Department of Telecommunications (DOT) issued notices on Tuesday, instructing internet operators to 'immediately block' the apps and their websites. The three largest telecommunications companies in India, Reliance Jio, Bharti Airtel, and Vodafone Idea, are reportedly planning to make these apps unusable in the coming days.
TikTok, which counted India as its top growth market, accounting for 30% of its 2 billion global downloads, has said it complies with all data security and privacy requirements in India. However, the company has not commented on its plans to make the app unusable following the government's announcement. Bytedance, TikTok's parent company, has also declined to comment.
ByteDance will hold discussions with Indian officials this week and seek clarifications on the app ban. One source said ByteDance will likely also send a written representation to the government later explaining its stance. The company had earlier announced plans to invest $1 billion in India, where it currently employs 2,000 people.
Among the other banned apps are Tencent's WeChat and Alibaba's UC News. Google and Apple did not respond to a request for comment. The ban was enacted due to concerns about threats to India's sovereignty and integrity.
China has criticized India's decision, with the Chinese Embassy in New Delhi suspecting it violates WTO rules. Failure to comply with the DOT's order may result in legal action.
The government's move is seen as a response to a border clash between India and China. Telecom companies are expected to find ways to make the already downloaded banned apps unusable in the coming days. ByteDance has already moved to block TikTok in India following the government's announcement.
The Indian government has reached out to Google and Apple, asking them to remove the apps from their app stores. Three top telecom operators - Reliance's Jio, Vodafone Idea, and Bharti Airtel - did not respond to a request for comment. One source indicated that ByteDance will hold discussions with Indian officials this week and seek clarifications on the app ban.
