The Centre has banned 14 apps after the recommendation of multiple investigating agencies of their connection with terror groups in Jammu and Kashmir along with communication from Pakistan.
The Centre has banned 14 mobile messenger applications that claim to have been used by terror groups in Jammu and Kashmir, according to a report by NDTV. The report also suggests that the apps were used for communication among the terror group supporters, and their on-ground workers and also connect to groups based in Pakistan.
The names of these banned apps are Crypviser, Enigma, Safeswiss, Wickrme, Mediafire, Briar, BChat, Nandbox, Conion, IMO, Element, Second Line, Zangi and Threema.
According to media reports, the ban was carried out on the basis of a recommendation by defence forces, intelligence, security and some investing agencies.
There was an investigation done to find out about the makers of these apps, but according to reports the government did not find any Indian contact for their office. The investigating agencies failed to contact the app management as well.
It is said that these apps are made in a certain way that hides the information of the users and the features are such that finding entities associated with the making or using the app is difficult. The servers of these apps are located in foreign countries which makes it hard to trace. The Ministry of Home Affairs was informed about the link of these apps with terrorist activities in the Jammu and Kashmir area.
According to reports, an official has informed that these apps were banned under Section 69A of the Information Technology Act, 2000.
The legitimacy of terrorist activities through these apps was confirmed after some of the OGW got arrested whose mobile phones had some of these apps, reportedly.
(This is a developing story. More updates awaited)