Google takes down Indian app that removed Chinese ones -spokesman

NEW DELHI: Alphabet Inc’s Google has taken down an Indian cellular utility from its app retailer that allowed customers to take away different Chinese apps from their telephones because it violated sure firm insurance policies, a spokesman mentioned on Wednesday.

The app, “Remove China Apps”, had change into high trending free app on Google’s cellular app retailer in India with greater than 5 million downloads since late May. Its recognition rose amid requires a boycott of Chinese cellular apps in India throughout a Himalayan border dispute between the 2 nations.

A Google spokesman confirmed to Reuters the app had been eliminated as a consequence of violation of app retailer insurance policies, however gave no additional particulars.

An individual aware of the matter mentioned the software program violated Google’s insurance policies prohibiting apps that mislead customers into eradicating or disabling third-party apps or modifying system settings or options.

Remove China Apps scanned customers’ telephones for apps equivalent to ByteDance’s TikTok and Alibaba’s UC Browser. Once deleted, a message popped up saying “You are superior, no China app discovered.”

OneTouch AppLabs, which developed the app, didn’t reply to a request for remark. On its web site it confirmed the app had been eliminated and thanked customers for his or her assist.

Many Indians and a spokeswoman for Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s ruling celebration have used the hash tag #BoycottChineseMerchandise on social media, calling for deletion of well-liked Chinese apps.

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