Centre blocks 14 mobile messenger apps being used by terrorist groups

NEW DELHI: In another major step towards curbing terror activities, the Central government has blocked 14 mobile messenger applications being used by terror groups, sources said.

It is learnt that these applications were mostly being used by Over Ground Workers (OGWs) of different terrorist organisations based in Jammu and Kashmir to spread the message and to receive notifications from Pakistan. The action was taken based on intelligence inputs shared with the Central government in a secret communication recently.

Soon after the information was shared with the Ministry of Home Affairs that these applications are being used by OWGs and members of different terrorist groups to circulate anti-India messages, the ministry, in close coordination with the IT Ministry and other agencies concerned, blocked the apps.

According to sources, the majority of these mobile applications are specially designed to maintain the anonymity of the users as well as their inbuilt features also make it difficult to find out the entities associated with them.

Through these applications, terrorist outfits and their affiliates were engaging their associates in Jammu and Kashmir to further their terror activities in the Union Territory and other places, said sources. As inputs received that these applications are being used to further terror propaganda and incite youths in Jammu and Kashmir, the Central government blocked them under Section 69A of the Information Technology Act, 2000.

“Agencies keep track of channels used by Overground workers (OGWs) and terrorists to communicate among themselves. While tracking down one of the communication, agencies found that the mobile application does not have representatives in India and it is difficult to track down activities happening on the app”, said an official.

Sources said these apps include Crypviser, Enigma, Safeswiss, Wickrme, Mediafire, Briar, BChat, Nandbox, Conion, IMO, Element, Second line, Zangi, Threema among others. (ANI)