In a bid to avoid all possible information leakages, the Indian Army has instructed all of its officers and soldiers to delete 89 mobile apps varying from social media, E-Commerce, utilities, dating apps, news platforms and others.
Referring to security concerns and leakage of sensitive data, the Army declared that those who do not obey the order will face strict action. The list also involves the 59 Chinese apps including TikTok, which were recently banned over data security issues by the Union government.
The security personnel will have to adhere to the rule by July 15, and any official found on these apps will be reported.
“The directive has been issued because there has been an exponential increase in the number of military personnel being targeted online by intelligence agencies of Pakistan and China,” said an officer.
Few of the 89 apps are among those which the Centre has already restricted stating “they are engaged in activities which are prejudicial to sovereignty and integrity of India, defence of India, the security of the state and public order”.
In the light of Pegasus Spyware attack, the Army on last year had asked its personnel to avoid the use of Facebook & WhatsApp for official work, which are accessible to hacks and leakage of confidential data.
Over the last 2-3 years, there have been several other instances where officials were honey-trapped by the undercover agent of neighbouring countries. Beside this, Indian Navy has already banned Facebook after seven officers, who were found leaking sensitive data to Pakistan after being lured into online relationships.
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The Army has till now permitted for using Facebook but with restrictions like not posting pictures in uniform or revealing the location. And this conclusion has been adopted with a view to assuring the security of classified information in the larger national interest.
The Ministry of Home Affairs has reportedly warned defence forces about spying which might result in banning the 89 mobile apps being a reason for the leaking of sensitive information.
