The Impact of the Ban: How 89 Banned Apps Are Affecting the Indian Army

The Impact of the Ban: How 89 Banned Apps Are Affecting the Indian Army

India recently banned 89 mobile applications, mostly Chinese, citing privacy concerns and their potential to be used to compromise national security. While the ban has caused a stir among the general public, it has also raised questions about its impact on the Indian Army. Here’s how the ban is affecting the army and its operations.

Breach of Security and Privacy

The Ministry of Defence and the Indian Army had raised concerns about the use of Chinese apps long before the ban was announced. There were instances where these apps were found to be transmitting sensitive data from Indian users to servers in China, thus putting national security at risk. With the ban, the army’s concerns have been addressed to some extent. However, the army still needs to be cautious while using apps from other countries and needs to develop its alternatives that adhere to security and privacy standards.

Disruption in Communication and Information Flow

The Indian Army uses various mobile applications for communication and information sharing. Most of these applications were either banned or were deemed unfit for use by the government. The ban has disrupted the smooth flow of communication and information among the army personnel. The army has had to devise alternatives that adhere to the government’s guidelines while maintaining communication and information sharing. The disruption caused by the ban may have adverse effects on the operational efficiency of the army.

Alternatives and Solutions

To overcome the effects of the ban, the army has started developing its apps to cater to the requirements of its personnel. The government is also promoting indigenous mobile applications as alternatives to the banned apps. Some alternatives include the Bharat Messaging application, which is similar to WhatsApp and is being developed by the Centre for Development of Advanced Computing.

Conclusion

The ban on mobile applications has raised concerns about national security and privacy, but it has also disrupted communication and information sharing in the Indian Army. The army is taking proactive steps to develop its applications and rely on indigenous apps for better security and privacy. The ban may be a temporary measure, and alternative solutions need to be implemented for the seamless functioning of the army.