Post ban, Chinese App UC Browser shuts India operations

After the ban of 59 Chinese apps by the Indian government, Chinese internet firm Alibaba Group's subsidiary UC Web has suspended operations in India and has laid off almost 90% of its 350-strong workforce in the country. The apps including TikTok, Shareit and more were banned citing national security issues with these apps that either originate from China or have links to the Chinese state.

Employees of UC Web have been informed about the decision and the offices in Gurugram and Mumbai have been shut down. Employees of the company have also been informed that they will be compensated for the closure of the business. As per a UC spokesperson, the company is terminating its services indefinitely. “We have complied with the government’s recent directive concerning 59 apps and stopped the service,” UC Web said in a statement to the press.

Also read : Facebook brings Instagram Reels to replace TikTok in India

The company which entered India almost a 10 years ago, provided employment to almost 100 employees in its Gurgaon office, has not issued a formal statement about job cuts or its India operations. However, the company in an internal communication to the employees said that it was not able to continue operations due to “ongoing issues, leading to uncertainty and business losses. We are shutting down India operations”.

The Chinese apps blocked by India in June include TikTok, Shareit, Kwai, UC Browser, Baidu map, Shein, Clash of Kings, DU battery saver, Helo, Likee, YouCam makeup, Mi Community, CM Browers, Virus Cleaner, APUS Browser, ROMWE, Club Factory, Newsdog, Beutry Plus, WeChat, UC News, QQ Mail, Weibo, Xender, QQ Music, QQ Newsfeed, Bigo Live, SelfieCity, Mail Master, Parallel Space, Mi Video Call – Xiaomi, WeSync, ES File Explorer, Viva Video – QU Video Inc, Meitu, Vigo Video, New Video Status, DU Recorder, Vault- Hide, Cache Cleaner, DU App studio, DU Cleaner, DU Browser, Hago Play With New Friends, Cam Scanner, Clean Master – Cheetah Mobile, Wonder Camera Photo, Wonder QQ Player, We Meet Sweet Selfie, Baidu Translate, Vmate, QQ International, QQ Security, Center QQ, Launcher U, Video V fly Status, Video Mobile Legends, and DU Privacy.

Readers like you make Inside Northeast’s work possible.

To support our brand of fearless and investigative journalism, support us HERE.

Download:

The Inside Northeast app HERE for News, Views, and Reviews from Northeast India.

Do keep following us for news on-the-go. We deliver the Northeast.