Banned Chinese apps resurface in India amid improving ties with China

Several Chinese apps that were banned in India in 2020 are making a comeback—either in slightly modified versions or under new names. A recent investigation by India Today’s Open-Source Intelligence (OSINT) team found that at least 36 of the previously banned apps have reappeared on Google’s Play Store and Apple’s App Store.

The Ban & The Comeback

In 2020, amid heightened tensions along the India-China border, the Indian government blocked 267 Chinese apps, citing concerns over national security and data privacy. However, as relations between the two countries have started to improve, some of these apps are resurfacing in the Indian digital marketplace.

The rebranded or cloned versions of banned apps span multiple categories, including gaming, video and photo editing, streaming services, online shopping, and dating platforms. Some of the apps identified in the investigation include:

Xender (file-sharing app) – Now listed as "Xender: File Share, Share Music" on Apple’s App Store.

MangoTV (streaming platform) – Reappeared with no major changes.

YOUKU (Alibaba’s streaming app) – Relaunched as "YOUKU-Drama, Film, Show, Anime."

Taobao (shopping app) – Now available as "Taobao" under the same ownership.

Tantan (dating app) – Now listed as "TanTan – Asian Dating App."

New Ownership & Compliance with Indian Laws

Many of these apps have tweaked their names, changed ownership structures, or partnered with Indian firms to comply with local regulations. A prime example is Shein, a popular fashion retailer, which returned to India through a licensing agreement with Reliance. Similarly, PUBG Mobile, which was banned in 2020, was later rebranded as Battlegrounds Mobile India by Krafton Inc., a South Korean company with Chinese investments.

The Challenge of Banning Copycat Apps

Despite government efforts, blocking all clone apps is an uphill task. Developers often change names, tweak minor features, or shift ownership structures to bypass restrictions. The growing complexity of the digital marketplace makes it difficult to track and regulate all versions of previously banned apps.

As India and China work toward stabilizing diplomatic relations, the return of these apps signals a shift in the digital landscape. However, whether they remain accessible in India will depend on compliance with local laws and regulations.