In compliance with orders from the Department of Telecommunications (DoT), Google and Apple have removed two international eSIM service apps, Airalo and Holafly, from their app stores in India. The move is aimed at curbing cyber fraud, with the government instructing internet service providers and telecom companies to block the websites associated with these apps.
These apps, offering eSIM services for telecom globally, were found to be exploited by fraudsters who used unauthorized eSIMs with international phone numbers for cybercrimes in the country, deceiving unsuspecting citizens. Notably, providers of eSIMs require a no-objection certificate (NoC) from the DoT.
Airalo and Holafly have not released official statements regarding their removal. The action was taken by the tech giants after receiving orders from the DoT on January 4.
While these two apps have been banned, other eSIM providers like Nomad eSIM and aloSIM are still available for download and use in India, according to reports.
