New Delhi: The government has banned as many as 14 messaging apps over the reports of them being used by terrorists to send and receive messages from Pakistan.
According to sources quoted by newswire ANI, after getting inputs from intelligence agencies, the Central government has blocked 14 messenger mobile applications that were largely used in Jammu and Kashmir for spreading terror.
According to sources, these mobile applications were used by terrorists in Kashmir to communicate with their supporters and on-ground workers (OGW).
“Agencies keep track of channels used by overground workers (OGWs) and terrorists to communicate among themselves. While tracking down one of the communication, agencies found that the mobile application does not have representatives in India and it is difficult to track down activities happening on the app,” an official was quoted by ANI.
Thereafter, with the help of other intelligence agencies operating in the valley, a list of such apps was prepared that pose a threat to national security and do not follow Indian laws. After getting the list prepared, the concerned Ministry was informed of the request to ban these mobile applications. The official added that these apps have been blocked under Section 69A of the Information Technology Act, 2000.
In official communications to higher-ups, the intelligence agencies informed that these apps are spreading terror propaganda in the Valley.
These apps include Crypviser, Enigma, Safeswiss, Wickrme, Mediafire, Briar, BChat, Nandbox, Conion, IMO, Element, Second line, Zangi, Threema among others.
(With ANI inputs)