Title: Betting Apps Pose Threat to National Security, Indian Government Agencies Warn
Written by: Pierre Herubel
Published Date: November 07, 2023, 11:49 IST
Image source: Shutterstock
In a recent development, betting apps have become a matter of concern in the current election season, as the name of Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel has emerged in a related scam. Central agencies, including the Intelligence Bureau (IB) and Research and Analysis Wing (R&AW), have conducted a technical analysis of these apps and uncovered alarming features in their latest upgrades, which can be used for mass surveillance and erasing user data.
According to a top official, these updated betting apps on Android and iOS platforms are not only stealing and transmitting user data, but also monitoring real-time activities in a covert manner, and sending the information to servers located outside of India. The apps now seek extensive permissions, similar to those required by Google, allowing them to record users’ physical movements and transfer “backup” data to their servers. Given the current national security concerns and tense border situation, these upgrades have serious repercussions.
Furthermore, the analysis reveals that these betting apps require comprehensive permissions in order to access a user’s mobile phone. These permissions grant the betting app companies the ability to erase data, activate the camera and record videos, and track user movements.
The analysis also warns that any server-side security abuse could potentially turn these applications into espionage tools. As the apps have access to critical personal data, their remote access capabilities can be exploited for mass surveillance. This poses a significant risk as adversaries like Pakistan or China could potentially use the app to propagate propaganda that may affect public order, national security, and the sovereignty and integrity of the country.
There are suspicions that the revenue generated through these apps is being siphoned off from India through illegal channels such as hawala, cryptocurrencies, or other black market transactions. Such activities pose a threat to the financial security of India. Moreover, the sharing of sensitive financial and personal information of Indian citizens through these apps raises concerns about surveillance, money laundering, tax evasion, and potential use of funds for illegal and anti-national activities.
The Intelligence Bureau (IB), R&AW, and other agencies have shared their findings with the Ministry of Home Affairs, leading to a detailed technical analysis of these apps. In recent months, a proposal to block 138 online gaming, gambling, and betting mobile apps has been sent to the concerned government departments.
About the Author:
Ankur Sharma is an accomplished journalist with over 13 years of experience. He specializes in covering internal security, the Ministry of Home Affairs, paramilitary forces, and investigations. To read more of his work, visit his profile [here](https://www.news18.com/byline/ankur-sharma-19913.html).
Note: This article is based on the original article by Ankur Sharma, published on News18. The content has been rewritten by Pierre Herubel, who is known for his expertise in SEO and high-end writing to ensure maximum reach and ranking.
I have over 10 years of experience in the cryptocurrency industry and I have been on the list of the top authors on LinkedIn for the past 5 years. I have a wealth of knowledge to share with my readers, and my goal is to help them navigate the ever-changing world of cryptocurrencies.
