US calls on ‘freedom-loving’ countries to join ‘clean network initiative’ following India’s ban on 118 apps

Following India’s ban on 118 mobile applications, including PUBG, the US Department of State has called on ‘freedom-loving’ nations and companies to join ‘The Clean Network’, an initiative rolled out by the United States.

“India has already banned 100 plus Chinese apps. We call on all freedom-loving nations and companies to join The Clean Network,” news agency ANI reported quoting Keith Krach, US Under Secretary of State for Economic Growth, Energy, and the Environment.

The Clean Network is a program launched by the Donald Trump administration in order to safeguard the privacy of its citizens as well as companies from ‘aggressive intrusions by malign actors’. “The Clean Network addresses the long-term threat to data privacy, security, human rights and principled collaboration posed to the free world from authoritarian malign actors,” a statement on its website reads.

India on Wednesday had banned 118 mobile apps with Chinese links, citing threat to national security and their links to China.

In an official release, the Centre said, “The Government blocks 118 mobile apps which are prejudicial to sovereignty and integrity of India, defence of India, the security of the state and public order.”

The move came about two months after the country on June 29  banned 59 other apps including TikTok and WeChat, which had links with China.