In 2020, the Indian government banned 267 Chinese apps because of concerns about security risks and data privacy. This decision was made after the Galwan Valley clash between India and China, which led to growing tensions between the two countries. The government was worried that these apps might be stealing and misusing Indian users' data.

Some of the most popular apps that were banned included TikTok, PUBG Mobile, Shein, Xender, Taobao, and many others. These apps belonged to different categories like gaming, shopping, entertainment, file sharing, and social media.

How these apps are returning

Even with the ban, many of these apps have made a comeback in 2025. Reports show that at least 36 of the previously banned apps are now available on Google Play Store and Apple’s App Store. Some have retained their original name, while others have changed their branding, logo, or ownership details.

For example:

  • Xender, a file-sharing app, has returned as "Xender: File Share, Share Music" (but is only available on the Apple App Store).
  • Taobao, a shopping app, is now called "Mobile Taobao."
  • Tantan, a dating app, has been renamed "TanTan—Asian Dating App."
  • MangoTV and Youku, two streaming apps, have also returned with no major changes.

Interestingly, some apps have partnered with Indian companies to re-enter the market. Shein, a fashion shopping app, has returned through a licensing deal with Reliance, and the Indian government has ensured that all user data is stored in India to prevent access by its Chinese parent company.

Difficulties in enforcing a permanent ban

Even though the Indian government banned these apps, many of them came back with new names or as clones. Some apps also changed their ownership details to make it look like they were not Chinese companies. Now, many of these apps are registered in different countries like India, Singapore, Vietnam, South Korea, Japan, Seychelles, and Bangladesh, which makes it harder to figure out where they originally come from.

One example is PUBG Mobile. After being banned in 2020, it came back in 2021 as "Battlegrounds Mobile India (BGMI)," which was run by South Korea’s Krafton. However, BGMI was banned again in 2022 but was allowed back in 2023 after it met the Indian government's security rules.

This situation highlights how challenging it is to enforce an absolute ban. While the government can restrict certain apps, developers often find new ways to re-enter the market by rebranding, launching clones, or changing ownership details. The return of these apps raises questions about how India can effectively regulate digital security in the future. 

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