India has issued an order to all smartphone manufacturers and importers, requiring them to install state-owned cyber security apps. But Apple is reportedly not going to comply, citing privacy and security concerns reuters,
The app, called Sanchar Sathi (meaning communication partner), is supposed to speed up the process of finding lost or stolen devices and prevent their misuse, according to a government press release on Monday. It further added that companies like Samsung and Xiaomi should “try” to use software updates to download apps on previously purchased smartphones.
The Sanchar Saathi app comes with a complete website designed to report fraudulent communications and track lost phones. However, critics worry that the app is a means for Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s government to gain access to every smartphone in India.
The messages coming from the Indian government have been mixed so far. Monday’s public announcement said companies would have to comply within 90 days and submit a report within 120 days. It also states that the app “must be easily visible and accessible to end users at the time of first use or device setup and its functionalities are not disabled or restricted.”
Yet, today, India’s Union Communications Minister Mr. Jyotiraditya Scindia said that the app is “completely democratic and completely voluntary.” He added that users can deactivate or delete it “at any time.”
At the same time, industry sources said reuters That Apple will not comply with preinstalling the app. It remains to be seen whether this pushback will stick – Apple has succumbed to government orders in the past. Recently, it removed two of China’s largest LGBTQ+ dating apps following orders from the country’s internet regulator and censor.
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