Apple Resists Indian Government's Cyber Safety App Mandate

Apple has decided to resist the Indian government's mandate requiring smartphone manufacturers to preload a state-run cybersecurity app called Sanchar Saathi onto devices sold in India. According to Breitbart News, the Indian government directed major smartphone manufacturers, including Apple, Samsung, and Xiaomi, to comply within 90 days.

The Sanchar Saathi app is designed to track stolen phones and prevent their misuse, but critics fear it could serve as a surveillance tool for the Indian government. Apple has expressed concerns over potential privacy and security issues associated with the app, maintaining that it does not comply with such mandates anywhere globally due to the risks of introducing security vulnerabilities.

An industry source stated, 'Apple can’t do this. Period.' The backlash against the app has intensified, with lawmakers and privacy advocates condemning the government's actions. Rahul Gandhi, a leader of the opposition Congress Party, has pledged to raise the issue in Parliament, calling for a rollback of the mandate.

India's telecom minister, Jyotiraditya M. Scindia, claimed the app is voluntary and democratic, allowing users to deactivate or delete it at any time. However, he did not clarify the specifics of the directive requiring pre-installation.

Meanwhile, Engadget reports that the Indian government had instructed smartphone manufacturers to ensure the app is 'readily visible and accessible' to users during device setup, raising further concerns about user autonomy.

After significant backlash, the Indian government announced it would revoke its mandatory installation order for the Sanchar Saathi app on new phones, as reported by the South China Morning Post. This decision followed widespread protests from opposition parties and privacy advocates, who argued against the surveillance implications of the app.

Despite the government's claim that the app was intended to enhance safety and security, the controversy has highlighted the ongoing tensions between tech companies like Apple and government regulations, particularly regarding user privacy and digital rights.