Indian troops on China border told to delete 42 apps including WeChat, Truecaller

Indian troops posted along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) facing China have been asked to delete a number of apps on their smartphones due to data security implications.

Troops have been asked to delete 42 mobile applications such as UC Browser, WeChat, Truecaller, ShareIT, and format their smartphones with immediate effect, reported ThePrint.in. 

The development comes after the recent stand-off between Indian and Chinese soldiers along the border in Doklam.

“Use of these apps by our personnel can be detrimental to…national security,” a report said citing sources. The instructions were reportedly sent to troops on 24 November.

“If some of them are already using any of these apps, then they should be asked to immediately uninstall the app and format their cellphones,” reads the instruction.

"The personnel are expected to maintain the security of their phones, whether official or personal, as well as computers. Such alerts and advisories, especially about Chinese-origin mobile apps as well as electronic devices, are issued from time to time," an official told Times of India.

A fortnight ago, India and China held their first meeting on the border consultation and coordination mechanism here after the Dokalam standoff and reviewed the situation in all the sectors of their border and exchanged views on enhancing CBMs and military contacts.

The standoff which began in mid-June ended on August 28 after Chinese troops stopped building a key road close to India's Chicken Neck corridor. India objected to the construction highlighting its security concerns. The road was being built by the Chinese troops in the area also claimed by Bhutan.