Apple has indicated that it will not comply with the Indian government’s order asking all smartphone companies to pre-load the government’s cyber security app ‘Sanchar Sathi’ on their phones. This information was given to Reuters by three sources.
In a confidential order, the government has asked companies like Apple, Samsung and Xiaomi to pre-install the app on all their new phones in the next 90 days. The purpose of this app is to track stolen phones, block them and prevent their misuse. The government also said that the app could not be removed or disabled from the phone. Phones that are already in the market will also have to send this app through a software update.
The Telecom Ministry later confirmed the order, saying that the move is to strengthen cyber security as cyber crime is on the rise in the country. But political controversy started on this decision. The opposition and privacy experts say the move could give the government a ‘way’ to monitor the country’s 73 crore smartphone users. After the controversy, Telecom Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia said that the app is completely “voluntary” and users can delete it at any time. However, he did not comment on the confidential order which said to make the app undeletable.
Apple’s flat denial
Sources said that Apple will tell the government that it does not comply with such orders in any country in the world. The company says that this is a threat to the security of its iOS system and user privacy. An industry source described the move as “not just a hammer blow, but a double-barreled gun”. Apple and the telecom ministry declined to comment on the matter.
Political upheaval
Due to this order there was an uproar in the Parliament. Congress leader Rahul Gandhi said to raise this issue in the House. The Congress party demanded the withdrawal of the order and said — “Big Brother cannot watch us.” The government says that this app will help prevent the sale of fake IMEI numbers, fake phones and stolen mobiles.
What will other companies do?
Google’s Android system is more open than Apple’s iOS, so it’s easier for companies like Samsung and Xiaomi to add such apps. But Apple’s security policy is strict, so it is not ready to accept the change. According to sources, Apple will not go to court, but will clearly tell the government that it cannot comply with the order.