He said the Narendra Modi government had secretly ordered companies like Apple, Samsung and Xiaomi to pre-install their phones with an app called Sanchar Saathi (Telecom Partner). Reuters The day before
The app will be designed to check if the phone is original using its IMEI number; Track lost or stolen phones, lock them and prevent their misuse; Check the number of lines registered in the user’s name and report suspicious calls, fraud attempts and malicious links.
Developed by the Ministry of Communications, the app was officially introduced as a tool to “empower mobile subscribers, enhance their security and increase awareness of user-friendly government initiatives.”
Pre-installed, visible and ready to run within the next 90 days
The directive, dated November 28, requires that the government app be pre-installed, visible and operational from the first configuration of new devices, and requires manufacturers to ensure that it is impossible to limit or disable its functions, according to the statement issued by the Ministry of Communications.
The government set a period of 90 days to fully implement the measure, and gave companies 120 days to submit a compliance report. Additionally, it stipulates that manufacturers must “attempt” to distribute the app through software updates on phones already manufactured and in sales channels.
The order, according to the Indian government’s memo, seeks to “protect citizens from purchasing non-genuine devices” and allow “simple communication of misuse of telecom resources.”
The opposition criticizes a “miserable tool”
The move has ignited a debate about privacy in India. Opponents and privacy advocates have criticized the measure, arguing that it is a way for the government to gain access to India’s 730 million smartphones, violating basic rights.
The opposition, led by the Congress Party, described this measure as “unconstitutional” and demanded its immediate withdrawal. Its general secretary, KC Venugopal, said the government app, which cannot be uninstalled, is a “miserable tool to monitor every citizen”. He added: “Big Brother can’t keep an eye on us.”
Congress noted that failure to comply with the directive could result in action under the Communications Act of 2023 and the Communications Cybersecurity Rules of 2024, which enable the government to impose penalties and remove modified equipment or equipment with tampered identification numbers.
Apple is fighting back and reviewing other brands
Apple does not plan to comply with the directive and will tell the Indian government that it does not follow such mandates anywhere in the world because they raise privacy and security issues for the company’s iOS ecosystem, according to two industry sources familiar with Apple’s concerns, cited by Reuters, who declined to be identified publicly because the company’s strategy is private.
The Indian order comes as Apple is locked in a legal battle with an Indian watchdog over the country’s antitrust sanctions law, under which it risks paying a fine of up to $38 billion.
Another industry source familiar with the matter told Reuters that other brands, including Samsung, were declining in demand. Apple, Samsung, and the Indian Ministry of Telecommunications did not immediately respond to the news agency’s inquiries.
RML (EFE, AFP, Reuters, AP)