The Centre has blocked 43 mobile applications for engaging in activities that are "prejudicial to sovereignty and integrity of India, defence of India, security of state and public order". Several apps owned by Chinese companies are among the freshly banned apps, including four owned by China's retail giant, the Alibaba Group. "Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology, Government of India today issued an order under section 69A of the Information Technology Act blocking access to 43 mobile apps," a government statement read.