After directives from the Department of Telecommunications (DoT), Google and Apple have taken down the global eSIM apps Airalo and Holafly from their app stores in India.

The DoT has also ordered internet service providers and telecom firms to restrict access to websites linked to these apps, Times of India reported.

The ban stems from the misuse of unauthorized eSIMs with international phone numbers by fraudsters engaging in cybercrimes within India.

Both Airalo and Holafly, the two prohibited apps, were removed from the Google Play Store and Apple App Store in India in response to the DoT’s orders.

Furthermore, the government has appealed to internet service providers and telecom corporations to restrict access to the websites linked with these applications within the country.

Airalo and Holafly, which provided eSIM services for global telecommunications, are the affected applications.

Neither Apple nor Google has released an official statement about this action thus far.

A quick search on the Google Play Store indicates that Holafly is “not available in your region”.

This swift action by the companies is in response to the directives received from the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) on January 4.

The government’s move to prohibit these apps comes after it was found that fraudsters were exploiting unauthorized eSIMs with international phone numbers to perpetrate cybercrimes and defraud unsuspecting citizens.

It’s worth noting that eSIM service providers, who offer digital SIM cards for voice and internet data without the need for a physical SIM card, must secure a no-objection certificate (NoC) from the Department of Telecommunications (DoT).

However, other eSIM providers like Nomad eSIM and aloSIM remain accessible for users in India to download and use through these app stores.