India is a diverse and dynamic society, where technology, entertainment, and gaming have become integral parts of daily life. With a large and passionate gaming community, mobile gaming has witnessed tremendous growth in recent years. However, the intersection of entertainment and national security has led to several popular apps, including games, facing bans. This article explores the status of some of the most talked-about apps, shedding light on their current accessibility and the reason why they were banned.
Is PUBG Banned in India?
PUBG Mobile became one of the most popular mobile battle royale games globally. However, in September 2020, India’s government banned PUBG Mobile, along with 118 other Chinese apps, citing concerns about national security and user data privacy. PUBG Mobile’s Chinese connections, particularly with its developer Tencent, led to suspicions that user data could be misused. Despite the ban on PUBG Mobile, the PC version of PUBG (PlayerUnknown’s Battlegrounds) has not been banned, and it remains available for players in India.
Interestingly, after the ban, PUBG Corporation (the game’s developer) worked with Indian authorities to reintroduce the game under a new name and with India-specific features. The result was Battlegrounds Mobile India (BGMI), which was launched in July 2021. BGMI is essentially a rebranded version of PUBG Mobile, tailored to comply with Indian regulations.
Is AliExpress Banned in India?
In June 2020, the Indian government banned AliExpress, a popular Chinese e-commerce platform, as part of its effort to tighten regulations on apps with potential links to China. AliExpress allowed Indian consumers to buy a wide range of products from electronics to fashion items at discounted prices. However, the app’s ban stemmed from concerns about its data-sharing practices and the possible risks it posed to Indian users’ privacy.
The ban on AliExpress was part of a broader move against Chinese apps, including major platforms like TikTok and WeChat, following rising geopolitical tensions. While alternatives like Amazon, Flipkart, and Snapdeal remain popular in India, AliExpress has not returned to the Indian market.
Is GameLoop Banned in India?
GameLoop, the official emulator for PUBG Mobile, has not been banned in India. GameLoop allows players to play mobile games on their PCs, particularly PUBG Mobile. However, since PUBG Mobile itself was banned in India, GameLoop’s usefulness has been limited for Indian users who wish to play the mobile version of PUBG.
Despite this, GameLoop still supports various other mobile games, and users can continue to play titles like Call of Duty Mobile, Free Fire, and others. GameLoop remains a popular emulator platform for those looking to play Android games on PC, but its connection to PUBG Mobile does make it a less viable option for Indian players wanting to access that specific game.
Is TikTok Banned in India?
Yes, TikTok was banned in India in 2020, along with several other Chinese apps, due to concerns over data privacy and national security. The app, owned by the Chinese company ByteDance, was incredibly popular in India, with millions of users creating and sharing short-form videos. However, the government’s decision to ban TikTok stemmed from concerns that the app was gathering extensive data on Indian users and sharing it with foreign entities.
While TikTok has faced backlash in India, alternatives such as Instagram Reels, YouTube Shorts, and Chingari have risen in its place, offering similar short-video features. TikTok has not returned to India, and it seems unlikely it will do so in the near future due to the country’s ongoing security concerns.
Is PUBG PC Banned in India?
Unlike PUBG Mobile, the PC version of PUBG (PlayerUnknown’s Battlegrounds) has not been banned in India. This means players who prefer playing the game on their computers can still access it. PUBG PC has been available globally and can be played in India through platforms like Steam.
The PC version of PUBG operates independently of PUBG Mobile, which was the game targeted by the Indian government’s ban. Players have continued to enjoy PUBG PC, with regular updates and improvements, though PUBG Mobile’s absence in the mobile gaming sector has led to a rise in other battle royale games like Free Fire and Call of Duty: Mobile.
Conclusion
The Indian government’s bans on apps like PUBG Mobile, AliExpress, and TikTok were primarily driven by concerns over data security, national sovereignty, and privacy. While alternatives exist, the bans have had a significant impact on the gaming and digital entertainment landscape in India.
