14C cites threat mails in VPN app takedowns

14C SENT THE NOTICE OVER THE APP DEVELOPERS' NON-COMPLIANCE IN PROVIDING INFORMATION ON HOAX THREATS SENT THROUGH VPN SERVICES

- Aditi Agrawal

NEW DELHI: The Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre (14C) ordered Google to remove several VPN apps and Chrome extensions on October 29, citing their developers' non-compliance in providing information to Indian law enforcement agencies about hoax threats sent to schools, airports and hospitals.

The notice ordered the removal of 11 apps, two Chrome extensions and one Windows installer link within 36 hours to avoid loss of safe harbour protection for Google.

"The VPN service providers have been non-compliant to the information/resolution request served by Indian Agencies for identifying the criminals sending life-threatening emails/messages," stated the 14C notice. These mails "are creating a panic situation concerning safety and security of institutions and is impacting public safety and security of the country", the 14C said.