Recently, the Indian government announced that it would ban 59 widely used apps (such as Tik Tok, ShareIt, Cam scanner etc.), which are heavily linked to Chinese companies. The Department of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY), has requested the Information Technology (IT) Act, 2000 to address concerns about data security and the national sovereignty associated with these applications.
Although the government has proposed the ban from a data security and privacy perspective, the move is seen as part of a plan to retaliate against Chinese intrusion into Ladakh.
Given that the Indian digital economy is one of the largest markets in the world, such a ban will surely affect China’s corporate ratings. However, such a move is likely to contribute to the India-China border dispute.
The achievement of this Ban
No More Dependence on Passive Diplomacy: The decision to ban these applications, which comes amid ongoing tensions between India and China, is a clear message from India that it will no longer be a victim of China’s Nibble and Negotiate policy and will review China’s policies for participation.
Damaging the Chinese Desire: Prohibition could affect one of China’s most ambitious goals, namely the 21st century digital power.
Recognizing the Importance of Data: The banning of the Indian application, as well as the restrictions on telecom Hardware-related and portable devices, is based on the acceptance that data distribution and digital technology is a new global energy currency.
Combined Problems
Data Privacy Issue is not restricted to Chinese applications: MeitY has blocked applications from reporting and sending unauthorized user data to servers located outside of India.
However, data privacy and data security concerns are not limited to Chinese applications.
Injuries Already Done: Banned apps were very popular in India and the blockchain move comes after these apps have already collected hundreds of millions of users in India.
India’s Economic Downturn in China: The ban on China’s mobile applications is a soft target, as India remains dependent on Chinese products in a number of critical and technological sectors.
From semiconductors and active pharmaceutical ingredients to the telecom industry, Chinese retailers are involved not only in India’s 4G network but also in ongoing 5G tests.
Also, China’s finances are currently important in supporting India’s start-up economy. Many Indian Unicorns such as Paytm, Zomato, Byju have Chinese shareholders.
The Way Forward: Strengthening Data Security Building
Releases Expired Rules: India’s digital applications are governed by obsolete, unsuitable rules in today’s digital environment.
The Information Technology Act, 2000 (20-year law) is intended for the business process of cleaning up the environment, not modern applications or platforms.
Similarly, copyright law, which provides incentives and protection for much of the content that resides at the heart of the digital economy, was last amended in 2012.
Therefore, there is a strong case for reviving important laws and for their adaptation to change the digital environment.
The Need for a Data Protection Act: Data privacy and security remains a major challenge from the ever-changing digital revolution. Therefore, data protection law was enacted for a long time.
In this regard, the Indian parliament must expedite the enactment of the Data Protection Bill (PDP), 2019.
The Need for Development Alternatives: The Indian government’s ban on access to citizen data is nothing new.
Similar steps have been taken by China, as mobile apps like Whatsapp, Facebook have been banned in China for years. However, the Chinese government was quick to relocate billions of its users.
Even today, with the same Chinese services like WeChat, Weibo is competing for a prestigious competition to establish digital global players.
Therefore, the recent ban is a good opportunity for Indian intervention.
Eduindex News 