NEW DELHI: Apple plans to defy an Indian government mandate requiring smartphones to preload a state-run cyber safety app, sources told WNN, as the directive sparked fierce political opposition and surveillance fears across the country.
The Indian government confidentially ordered companies including Apple, Samsung and Xiaomi to preload their phones with “Sanchar Saathi” (Communication Partner) within 90 days. The app aims to track stolen phones, block them and prevent misuse, with manufacturers required to ensure it cannot be disabled.
India’s telecom ministry confirmed the move as a security measure against “serious endangerment” of cyber security. However, Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s political opponents and privacy advocates condemned it as government overreach targeting India’s 730 million smartphones.
The order triggered a parliamentary uproar Tuesday, with opposition lawmakers accusing the government of creating a “snooping tool.” Rahul Gandhi of the main opposition Congress Party announced plans to address the app mandate in Parliament, while the party demanded a complete rollback. Congress leader KC Venugopal posted on X: “Big Brother cannot watch us.”
Facing mounting criticism, Telecom Minister Jyotiraditya M. Scindia backtracked Tuesday, calling the app a “voluntary and democratic system” that users can activate and “easily delete from their phone at any time.” However, he did not clarify the November 28 confidential directive ordering manufacturers to preload the app and ensure “its functionalities are not disabled or restricted.”
Apple will not comply with the directive and plans to inform New Delhi it doesn’t follow such mandates globally due to privacy and security concerns for its iOS ecosystem, two industry sources said. “It’s not only like taking a sledgehammer, this is like a double-barrel gun,” one source described the government’s approach. Another stated simply: “Apple can’t do this. Period.”
The iPhone maker intends to convey its concerns privately rather than pursue legal action or take a public stance, sources said. Apple’s resistance comes as it faces a separate $38 billion antitrust penalty case in Indian courts.
While Apple tightly controls its App Store and iOS software crucial to its $100-billion annual services business, Google’s open-source Android allows manufacturers like Samsung and Xiaomi greater flexibility to modify software. Samsung is reportedly reviewing the order but hasn’t responded to queries.
The Modi government defended the mandate, saying the app addresses incidents involving duplicated or spoofed IMEI numbers enabling scams and network misuse. “India has big second-hand mobile device market,” the telecom ministry stated. “Cases have also been observed where stolen or blacklisted devices are being re-sold.”
The controversy highlights growing tensions between global tech companies and governments worldwide implementing stricter digital controls, with India joining authorities in Russia and elsewhere in mandating state-backed apps or blocking stolen device usage.
–Dr. Shahid Siddiqui | Follow on X @shahidsiddiqui
