The Indian government has blocked 14 messaging apps that were being used by terror groups in Jammu and Kashmir. These apps were reportedly found to be used by terrorists to contact people associated with these organisations.
These apps were being investigated by multiple agencies from defence forces, security, intelligence and investigation, according to a report by News18. Citing sources, the report added that the apps were being used by the terrorists to contact their supporters and on-ground workers as well. Investigation on these apps also showed that they were used to influence the youth in Jammu and Kashmir and spread terrorist propaganda, the report added.
Here’s the full list of the blocked apps:
- Crypviser
- Enigma
- Safeswiss
- Wickrme
- Mediafire
- Briar
- BChat
- Nandbox
- Conion
- IMO
- Element
- Second line
- Zangi
- Threema
How the apps were discovered
According to the report, the above listed apps were found installed on smartphones that were recovered from terrorists killed in operations. It was also found during investigations, and on the devices of on ground workers who had at least on the apps. Although interception was difficult, the presence and nature of the apps revealed that they were being used to spread Pakistan-terror agenda.
Although these apps have been blocked, the founders cannot be traced since they’re not based in India and don’t have any representatives either. These messaging apps also have heavy encryption which then gives privacy and anonymity to users making it difficult to access the content. These apps also have servers in different countries adding to the difficulty of tracing their origin.
These apps have been blocked under Section 69A of the Information Technology Act, 2000. The apps won’t be available to download from official app store markets, and won’t be able to access the Indian server as well. But given the nature of the apps, it’s likely that more will come up in the future.
