Banned Chinese Apps Reinstated on the Google Play Store and Apple App Store in India

Several Chinese apps banned in India in 2020 have discreetly reappeared, either under new names or with slight modifications. Some have changed ownership, while others remain largely the same. In 2020, India banned approximately 267 Chinese apps due to security risks and data privacy concerns. This decision followed rising border tensions between India and China after the Galwan Valley clash.

Fast forward to 2025, many of these apps have resurfaced, either in their original form or disguised under different names. Currently, at least 36 of the previously banned apps are available for download on the Google Play Store and Apple's App Store. Some have retained their original identity, while others have undergone minor tweaks in branding, logo, or ownership details.

Rebranded Apps Return

These applications span various categories such as gaming, shopping, entertainment, file sharing, and content creation. According to India Today, notable returning apps include file-sharing service Xender, streaming platforms MangoTV and Youku, shopping app Taobao, and dating app Tantan. While MangoTV remains unchanged, others have seen minor modifications.

For instance, Xender is now listed on Apple's App Store as Xender: File Share, Share Music but remains unavailable on the Google Play Store. Similarly, Taobao has been renamed Mobile Taobao and Tantan is now TanTan - Asian Dating App. Despite these changes, some apps continue to be operated by their original Chinese developers.

Ownership Changes and Licensing Deals

Interestingly, some apps have taken different routes to re-enter the Indian market. Shein, a popular fashion retailer, returned through a licensing deal with Reliance. The Indian government confirmed that all user data related to Shein will now be stored within India to ensure its Chinese parent company has no access.

Despite bans on certain apps, clone versions frequently emerge. In some instances, original developers rebrand their apps with minor changes while maintaining core functionality. PUBG Mobile was banned in 2020 but returned in 2021 as Battlegrounds Mobile India (BGMI) under South Korea's Krafton. However, this version faced another ban in 2022 before being reinstated in 2023 after meeting security standards.

Challenges in Enforcing Bans

The presence of these apps highlights the difficulty of enforcing an absolute ban. While the government can restrict access to specific applications, alternative versions and clones often reappear under different names. Some returning apps now list ownership from countries like India, Singapore, Vietnam, South Korea, Seychelles, Japan, and Bangladesh.

This makes tracking their origins even more challenging for authorities. As technology evolves rapidly and global markets become increasingly interconnected, ensuring compliance with national regulations remains a complex task for governments worldwide.