KNOWLEDGE TREK

India has ordered a ban on a total of 59 Chinese apps including viral short-form video platform, TikTok, and social network, WeChat. The country’s Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology claims these apps were “engaged in activities which are prejudicial to sovereignty and integrity of India, defense of India, the security of the state and public order.” The ministry, in a press release, further adds that these apps pose a threat to Indians’ data security and privacy. While it didn’t share the basis of these accusations, it said the action was taken based on several reports that suggested these platforms were “surreptitiously transmitting users’ data in an unauthorized manner to servers which have locations outside India.” Online multiplayer strategy game, Clash of Kings, and document scanning app, CamScanner are also part of the ban. The complete list can be found here. The Indian government didn’t say how it plans to enforce this ban. However, hours after it was announced,

Advertising and creating visibility to your brand in a highly cluttered market is important to create top-of-mind recall in the mind of consumers. The pandemic has ushered in a new normal, in every sphere. If there is one thing the pandemic and the lockdown has brought to fore is self-reliance, putting the spotlight on local produce. As the decibel around ‘vocal for local’ gains momentum and with the government giving the necessary impetus, support, and resources to fuel local production of goods, it will only be a matter of time before we become completely self-reliant. Many home-grown brands are occupying spaces in our homes while also gaining global acceptance. Around 70 percent of India's economy constitutes family-run businesses, be it small Kirana stores or large conglomerates. Marketing and advertising have a significant role to play in giving impetus to the ‘vocal for local’ movement. There is a famous saying, “Doing business without advertising is like winking in the dark.