Google and Apple recently removed two international e-SIM apps. The apps that Apple and Google removed from their respective app stores -- Apple App Store and Google Play Store -- are Airalo and Holafly. Google and Apple removed Airalo and Holafly apps following the directives from Indian government. The Department of Telecommunications (DoT) instructed Apple, Google, internet service providers and telecom companies to block access to websites associated with these apps.
What are the banned apps
The banned apps Airalo and Holafly sell e-SIMs for multiple countries and regions.
The e-SIM service providers offer digital
SIM
cards for voice calls and internet data without requiring a physical SIM card.
Why government banned these two apps in India
The decision to ban these apps came after it was found that fraudsters were exploiting unauthorised e-SIMs apps with international phone numbers for cybercrimes and defrauding people. Another reason behind the banning of these apps is that all providers of e-SIM services are required to obtain a no-objection certificate (NoC) from the DoT. Singapore-based Airalo and Spain-based Holafly reportedly have been removed as the two companies did not possess the necessary authorisation from DoT.
In addition, the telecom ministry rules require that eSIMs can only be sold through authorised dealers. Also, these dealers must do proper verification (KYC) of customers for proof of identity such as a passport copy or visa before selling them the e-SIM card. Authorised sellers are also required to provide the details of these global SIMs to security agencies.
No ban on selling on e-SIMs in India
Incidentally, other e-SIM providers like Nomad eSIM and
aloSIM
remain accessible for users in India to download and use through Google and Apple's app stores. This means that these e-SIM service providers likely have the due permission from DoT to operate in the country and are following all the stipulated guidelines.
