MHA directs Armed Forces to remove Truecaller, WeChat, 40 other Chinese developed Apps; declares them spyware

The Ministry of Home Affairs has directed all security personnel engaged in countering internal and external threats to delete at least 40 Apps run by Chinese companies from their mobile phones.

The advisory given to the Indian Armed Force and Central Armed Police Personnel (CAPF) warns of a possible cyber attack through mobile Apps.

This website is in possession of the directive issued by the intelligence agencies.

The MHA issued the official communique on November 24 after the Intelligence Directorate General (DTE GEN) raised concern over the usage of Chinese Apps. The intelligence agencies have alerted MHA usage of Chinese Applications can lead to data breach.

The directive reads, “As per reliable inputs a number of Android and IOS Apps developed by Chinese developers or having Chinese links are reportedly either spyware or other malicious ware.”

The MHA directive further reads, “The use of these Apps by our force personnel can be detrimental to data security having implications on the force and national security.”

The official communique further states, “All officers and men under your command may be advised not to use these Apps either in office or on on personal mobile phones.”

Also read| Jammu and Kashmir: Two militants arrested from Kulgam district

The MHA has also asked the FMNS to uninstall the Apps if being used and format the mobile phones.

Here are the lists of Chinese Apps  considered to be a national threat

# WEIBO

# WECHAT

# SHAREIT

# TRUECALLER

# UC NEWS

# UC Browser

# BEAUTYPLUS

# NEWSDOG

# VIVA VIDEO -QU VIDEO INC

# PARALLEL SPACE

# APUS BWROWSER

# PERFECT CORP

# VIRUS CLEANER - HI SECURITY LAB

# CM BROWSER

# MI COMMUNITY

# DU RECORDER

# VAULT HIDE- NQ MOBILE SECURITY

# YOUCAM MAKEUP

# MI STORE

# CACHECLEANER DU APPS STUDIO

# DU BATTERY SAVER

# DU CLEANER

# DU PRIVACY

# 360 SECURITY

# DU BROWSER

# CLEAN MASTER - CHEETAH MOBILE

# BAIDU TRANSLATE

# BAIDU MAP

# WONDER CAMP - BAIDU INC

# ES FILE EXPLORER

# PHOTO WONDER

# QQ INTERNATIONAL

# QQ MUSIC

# QQ MAIL

# QQ PLAYER

# QQ NEWSFEED

# WESYNC

# QQ SECURITY CENTRE

Also read: First desi dog Mudhol to join Indian Army ranks, canine to serve in Jammu and Kashmir

# SELFIE CITY

# MAIL MASTER

# MI VIDEO CALL - XIAOMI

# QQ LAUNCHER