Apple and Google Block Indian eSIM Apps Following Government Directive
Tech giants Google and Apple have removed the international eSIM apps Airalo and Holafly from their Indian app stores following directives from the Department of Telecommunications (DoT). The DoT has also instructed internet service providers and telecom companies to block access to websites associated with these apps. The decision to ban these apps came after it was found that fraudsters were exploiting unauthorized eSIMs with international phone numbers for cybercrimes and defrauding people. Both Airalo and Holafly were removed from the Google Play Store and Apple App Store in India, but there is no official statement from either Apple or Google on this action. Providers of eSIM services, which offer digital SIM cards for voice calls and internet data without requiring a physical SIM card, are required to obtain a no-objection certificate (NoC) from the DoT. In contrast, other eSIM providers like Nomad eSIM and aloSIM remain accessible for users in India to download and use through these app stores. Airalo and Holafly sell eSIMs for multiple countries and regions.
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