**Apple Resists Indian Government’s Cyber Safety App Mandate**
Apple has decided not to comply with a directive from the Indian government requiring the preloading of a state-owned cyber safety app on its smartphones, according to three sources familiar with the situation. The company plans to express its concerns to New Delhi, as the mandate has raised significant surveillance issues.
The Indian government has secretly instructed major smartphone manufacturers, including Apple, Samsung, and Xiaomi, to install the app named Sanchar Saathi, or Communication Partner, on their devices within a 90-day timeframe. This app is designed to track stolen phones, block their usage, and prevent misuse. Additionally, the government has mandated that manufacturers ensure the app cannot be disabled and that it be pushed to devices already in the supply chain through software updates.
India’s telecom ministry later confirmed the initiative, framing it as a necessary security measure to address the “serious endangerment” of cybersecurity. However, the move has faced backlash from political opponents and privacy advocates, who argue that it could enable government access to the personal data of India’s 730 million smartphone users.
Apple’s decision not to adhere to the directive stems from its global policy against such mandates, which it believes pose privacy and security risks to its iOS ecosystem. Two industry sources, who requested anonymity due to the sensitive nature of the matter, highlighted that the company’s stance is consistent across all markets. One source described the government’s approach as excessively aggressive, likening it to using a “double-barrel gun.”
The telecom ministry did not respond to requests for comments, but the order has ignited a heated debate in Parliament, with lawmakers accusing the government of creating a potential surveillance tool. Rahul Gandhi, a prominent figure in the opposition Congress Party, has indicated plans to address the issue in Parliament, while the party has called for the mandate’s repeal. A senior Congress leader expressed concerns on social media, stating, “Big Brother cannot watch us.”
The government’s press release emphasized that the app aims to combat issues related to duplicated or spoofed IMEI numbers, which facilitate scams and misuse of networks. The telecom ministry noted the significance of India’s large second-hand mobile device market, where cases of stolen or blacklisted devices being resold have been reported.
As India grapples with a rise in cybercrime and hacking, it joins a global trend of authorities, including those in Russia, in implementing regulations to curb the use of stolen phones for fraudulent activities and to promote state-backed applications.
**FAQ**
**Q: What is the Sanchar Saathi app?**
A: Sanchar Saathi is a government-mandated app in India designed to track stolen phones, block their usage, and prevent misuse, aimed at enhancing cybersecurity.