Government of India blocked 14 messenger mobile applications for spreading terror

Tags: National National News

The Government of India blocked 14 messenger mobile applications widely used in Jammu and Kashmir for spreading terror.

An Overview of the News

• The banned apps were primarily used as communication platforms to disseminate information in the field.

• The messenger applications that have been banned include Crypvisor, Enigma, SafeSwiss, Vikrame, Mediafire, Briar, Beechat, Nandbox, Conion, IMO, Elementor, Second Line, Jangi and Threema.

• The Indian government found that these apps were being used by terrorists to communicate with their supporters and on-ground workers.

• The Center had earlier also banned several Chinese apps for being prejudicial to India's sovereignty and integrity.

• The ban on these apps has been implemented under Section 69A of the Information Technology Act, 2000, which empowers the government to block access to any website or mobile application that poses a threat to national security or public order.

About Jammu and Kashmir

It was a state of India until August 2019, which was bifurcated as two union territories namely Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh on 31 August 2019.

Capital- Srinagar (May-October), Jammu (November-April)

Lieutenant Governor - Manoj Sinha

Legislative Council - 36 seats

Legislative Assembly - 89 seats

Chief Justice of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh High Court, Justice - Koteshwar Singh