Web desk: Apple does not plan to follow an Indian government order that requires smartphone makers to preload a state-owned cyber safety app, reports Reuters.
Three sources linked to the matter said the company will raise its concerns with New Delhi after the mandate sparked fears of surveillance.
The government has quietly directed Apple, Samsung and Xiaomi to install an app called Sanchar Saathi on all new phones within 90 days.
The app is meant to track stolen devices, block them and stop their misuse. Officials also want the app to remain active at all times. For phones already in the supply chain, the app should be added through software updates.
India’s telecom ministry later confirmed the decision. It said the rule is meant to address serious cyber security risks. However, opposition parties and privacy groups criticised the move and said it could allow the government to access the country’s 730 million smartphones.
Two industry sources said Apple will tell the government that it does not accept similar mandates anywhere in the world because they create privacy risks and security problems for the iPhone ecosystem. They said the company’s position will be shared privately.
Apple and the telecom ministry did not reply to requests for comment. Lawmakers raised the issue in Parliament on Tuesday. Several accused the government of trying to use the app as a tool for surveillance.
Congress leader Rahul Gandhi said he plans to speak about the matter in Parliament. The Congress Party demanded that the order be withdrawn. KC Venugopal said on X that “Big Brother cannot watch us.”
The government has said the app can help reduce problems linked to copied or spoofed IMEI numbers which allow scams and illegal network activity. It also noted that stolen phones are often resold in India’s large second-hand device market.
Apple is known for its tight control over its App Store and software. This makes compliance difficult compared to Android devices, which manufacturers like Samsung and Xiaomi can modify more easily. One source said Apple cannot follow the order because it would create security weaknesses.
The mandate also comes as Apple is fighting an antitrust case in India. The company has said it could face a fine of up to 38 billion dollars in the case.
Other brands including Samsung are still reviewing the order. According to industry sources, the government issued the directive without consulting smartphone makers.
