TikTok, UC Browser, SHAREit, Clean Master among list of 52 Chinese apps flagged by Indian intelligence agencies amid mounting tensions

Recently a brutal, high-altitude melee along the Line of Actual Control between India and China left over 100 soldiers dead or injured. The move, described by US Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnel as an attempt by China "for the sake of grabbing territory," has left relations between the two powers in their worst condition in decades.

Amid mounting tensions, a Hindustan Times report claims that Indian intelligence agencies have red-flagged 52 apps of Chinese origin to the Indian government, requesting that these apps either be blocked or that a public warning is issued about privacy and data protection.

This isn't the first time that Chinese hardware and software have come under the scanner for privacy issues. Xiaomi's Mi Browser was recently caught sending potentially sensitive information back to Xiaomi servers, even when users utilise its incognito mode.

Popular messaging app WeChat states in its privacy policy that it will hold onto private user data "in order to comply with a court order, subpoena, or other legal processes." The current situation is volatile and, considering that the Indian government has already told telecom PSUs to stop using Chinese hardware, a ban or advisory on these apps isn't out of the question.