NEW DELHI: The Government of India (GoI) on Monday blocked 14 Mobile Apps that have been used in Jammu and Kashmir for spreading terror. The terrorists in the J&K have been using these apps to communicate with their supporters and on-ground workers (OGWs), said sources.
Some of the mobile applications that have been blocked include Crypviser, Enigma, Safeswiss, Wickrme, Mediafire, Briar, BChat, Nandbox, Conion, IMO, Element, Second line, Zangi, Threema, and others.
An official stated that agencies have been monitoring the communication channels used by OGWs and terrorists to interact with each other. While investigating one of these channels, it was discovered that the app did not have a representative in India, making it challenging to monitor activities on the platform.
“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. These apps have been blocked under Section 69A of the Information Technology Act, 2000, the official added.
In official communications to higher-ups, the intelligence agencies informed that these apps are spreading terror propaganda in the Valley.
(With inputs from ANI)
