Google just took down an 'anti-national' app from Play Store
What's the story
Google has a knack for removing bad apps, particularly those carrying dangerous malware or adware capable of disrupting your experience of an Android phone. The practice is pretty common, but this time around, the internet giant has pulled an app for a completely different reason - being 'anti-Indian'. Here's all about the app and its subsequent removal.
App
'2020 Sikh Referendum' removed from Play Store
Following several complaints from authorities and the Punjab government, Google has decided to take down a secessionist app, 2020 Sikh Referendum, from the Play Store. The app, which had been available on the marketplace for several weeks, called the general public to register themselves to vote in the 'Punjab Referendum 2020 Khalistan'. It even had a companion website for the same purpose.
Concerns
Punjab CM raised concerns about the app
The concerns about the app were first raised by the Punjab Chief Minister Captain Amarinder Singh, who had requested the Central government to persuade Google into removing the program. He had alleged that the app was being used by Sikhs For Justice, a banned US-based secessionist group supporting the secession of Punjab from India as Khalistan, to conduct illegal and anti-national activities.
Quote
Here's what the CM said while criticizing the app
"How and why Google allowed such an app to be uploaded by a known radical extremist group in the first place is questionable," the CM said, adding that the timing of the app's appearance indicates Pakistan's ISI's agenda to divide the Indian Sikh community.
Access
Now, no one can download or use the app
The alarm raised by CM Singh and Punjab government came to fruition as the "anti-national" app is no longer available for download/use on the Play Store. The confirmation of removal came from a spokesperson of the CM's office but despite that, they have asked Punjab DGP to inform central security agencies to be ready to tackle any impact stemming from its usage till now.
Website
Meanwhile, website still remains available for access
While the app has been removed by Google, it's imperative to note that the companion website - www.yes2khalistan.org - still remains available for access. A notice has already been sent by the Cyber Crime Center of the Bureau of Investigation of Punjab to get the page blocked in India, but no action has been taken just yet.