Is Xender Safe After Being Banned in India? A 2024 Update

Xender, once a popular file-sharing app in India, faced significant setbacks following the Indian government’s decision to ban 59 Chinese apps in June 2020. This move, which also targeted other major apps like TikTok and WeChat, was driven by concerns over data privacy and national security. But with Xender’s popularity still lingering in some circles, many users are left wondering: Is Xender safe to use in India after the ban?

Why Was Xender Banned?

The primary reason for the ban was the Indian government’s concern over data privacy. The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) expressed that the banned apps, including Xender, were engaging in activities that could harm the sovereignty, integrity, defense, and security of the country. Xender, being a Chinese app, was scrutinized for its potential to send user data back to servers in China, which raised alarms about how this data could be used.

Can You Still Use Xender in India?

Despite the ban, some users in India might still have Xender installed on their devices. If you already had Xender on your phone before the ban, it might still function for now. However, it is important to note that using the app is against the law in India. The government has instructed internet service providers (ISPs) to block access to these apps, and Xender is no longer available for download on official app stores like Google Play or the Apple App Store.

Is Xender Safe to Use?

1. Data Privacy Concerns:
Xender’s association with Chinese developers puts it under the spotlight for data privacy concerns. Even though the app’s developers might claim to adhere to global data protection standards, the Indian government’s concerns about Chinese apps’ ability to collect and misuse data cannot be overlooked.

2. Lack of Updates and Support:
Since the ban, Xender has not been officially supported or updated for users in India. This means that the app could have unpatched security vulnerabilities that might expose users to risks like data breaches, malware, or unauthorized access.

3. Legal Risks:
Continuing to use Xender in India could have legal implications. The app is officially banned, and using it could be seen as violating the law. Additionally, as ISPs work to block access, the app might become less reliable, making it difficult to share files effectively.

Alternatives to Xender

Given the risks associated with using Xender, it’s advisable to switch to alternative file-sharing apps that are safe, legal, and widely available in India. Here are a few alternatives:

1. ShareMe (formerly Mi Drop):
   Developed by Xiaomi, ShareMe offers a similar experience to Xender without the same level of scrutiny. It’s fast, reliable, and available on both Android and iOS.
2. Google Files:
   Google’s Files app is another excellent alternative, offering file sharing without an internet connection. It’s secure, regularly updated, and integrates well with other Google services.
3. JioSwitch:
   JioSwitch is an Indian app that allows for high-speed file sharing without an internet connection. It supports various file formats and is available for both Android and iOS devices.
4. Send Anywhere:
   Send Anywhere is a robust file-sharing app that provides a secure way to share files across platforms. It offers end-to-end encryption and supports large file transfers without compromising speed.

Conclusion

While Xender might still function on some devices in India, using it post-ban comes with significant risks. Data privacy concerns, lack of updates, potential security vulnerabilities, and legal ramifications make Xender an unsafe choice in 2024. Users are encouraged to switch to safer, legal alternatives that offer similar functionalities without compromising security or violating the law. The shift away from Xender is not just a matter of compliance but also a step towards safeguarding your data and privacy in the digital age.