Xiaomi might prohibit the use of Telegram across China

Xiaomi, a leading smartphone manufacturer in Asia, has recently begun prohibiting the installation of the messaging app Telegram on devices equipped with its MIUI interface. MIUI, Xiaomi's custom Android-based operating system, underwent a significant update in 2022 with the introduction of MIUI 13. Among its enhancements was a security feature designed to identify and restrict potentially malicious applications.

However, this addition has not been free from controversy. Many users suspect that Xiaomi's new security measure, rather than being a purely protective tool, may serve as a discreet collaboration with the Chinese Community Party (CCP) to oversee user behavior and potentially limit the availability of certain apps. This hypothesis gained traction when MIUI began to restrict apps that allow users to customize network settings beyond default configurations. In instances where MIUI detects an app as potentially harmful, it aims to uninstall the software and prevent its reinstallation.

Now, the spotlight is on MIUI's decision to categorize Telegram, a widely-used messaging platform, as a "dangerous app" within the Chinese region. Users attempting to run Telegram are presented with a warning message asserting that the app hasn't been verified by Xiaomi's security protocols. The message further suggests that use of the app could expose users to risks, including unauthorized transactions.

Xiaomi might prohibit the use of Telegram across China

Chinese mobile developer Hikari Calyx has confirmed these claims, cementing the notion that MIUI is indeed challenging the use of Telegram and similar apps within China.

This stance on Telegram can be viewed in the broader context of the Chinese government's endeavors to suppress free expression and protect individual privacy. Unsubstantiated claims from Telegram's Indian user base imply that efforts to bypass such restrictions might be reported to Chinese law enforcement.

China's long history of digital restriction is well-documented. Platforms like Facebook, Twitter, WhatsApp, and Google have all faced either limited accessibility or complete bans, affecting millions of users. Moreover, China's digital censorship arm is notorious for barring access to international sites, filtering out sensitive keywords, and scrutinizing online actions.

Over time, global platforms such as Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube have also been in the crosshairs, with domestic counterparts rising to fill the void. The focus has now shifted towards applications that support unchecked communications or content dissemination, as seen with Telegram. While China frequently flags or bans apps conflicting with their overarching narrative, tagging a major platform like Telegram as "dangerous" underscores their intensifying efforts to regulate online spaces.

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