Citing national security concerns, India has banned 14 messaging platforms linked to illegal activities, encrypted communications, and data privacy risks.
The Indian government has recently banned 14 messaging applications, citing concerns over national security and data privacy. The decision, taken under the Information Technology Act, 2000, aims to curb the misuse of these platforms for illegal activities, including terrorism, cybercrime, and anti-national propaganda.
List of Banned Messaging Apps and Their Functions
The banned applications include several lesser-known messaging platforms, many of which offer encrypted communication, self-destructing messages, and anonymity features.
Here’s a look at the banned apps and their key functions:
Threema – A Swiss-based encrypted messaging app that allows anonymous usage without requiring a phone number.
Wickr Me – Known for its self-destructing messages and secure file-sharing features, often used by privacy-conscious users.
Signal (Private Messenger)– While Signal itself is not banned, certain modified or unofficial versions circulating in India have been restricted.
Telegram (Certain Channels & Unofficial Mods) – Some third-party Telegram mods and channels facilitating illegal activities have been targeted.
Element (formerly Riot.im) – A decentralized messaging app supporting end-to-end encryption, often used for secure group communications.
Session – A blockchain-based messaging app that does not require phone numbers or email IDs for registration.
Briar – A peer-to-peer messaging app that works without internet via Bluetooth or Wi-Fi, often used in censorship-resistant environments.
Zangi – A privacy-focused messaging app with military-grade encryption.
Nandbox – A messaging platform offering private and public channels, similar to Telegram.
Conion – A lesser-known encrypted chat app with anonymous features.
Anom – Previously linked to criminal activities, this app was already under scrutiny globally.
SafeSwiss – A Swiss-based encrypted messaging service.
Cyphr – Offers encrypted messaging and file-sharing.
Viper – A messaging app with encryption and anonymity features.
Telegram is not completely banned in India—only specific illegal channels and unauthorized modified versions (APK files) have been blocked.
Intelligence agencies flagged these apps for being used by terrorist organizations, drug cartels, and anti-state actors to communicate secretly. Many of these apps do not have servers in India and refuse to share data with law enforcement, making it difficult to track illegal activities. While encryption protects user privacy, it also enables criminals to evade surveillance. Apps like Wickr Me and Session allow messages to disappear, making investigations harder. Some apps were found to be involved in financial scams, hacking, and spreading malware. Several apps are operated by foreign entities with unclear data storage policies, raising fears of espionage.
What’s Next?
The government may introduce stricter VPN regulations to prevent bypassing the ban. Users are advised to avoid unofficial APK downloads, as they may contain malware. More foreign apps could face bans if they fail to comply with data localization laws.
