Apple Rejects India’s Preload App Mandate
- India app directive causes political storm
- Government wants all smartphones sold to have state-run cyber safety app
- Apple resists, others review the order, sources say
Government Directive and Reactions
India’s telecom ministry ordered smartphone manufacturers to preload the Sanchar Saathi app within 90 days. The app is designed to track stolen phones, block them, and prevent misuse, with the government insisting it is a security measure. Officials also asked companies to ensure the app cannot be disabled, extending the requirement to devices already in the supply chain via software updates. Privacy advocates and opposition leaders criticized the move, arguing it could give the government access to India’s 730 million smartphones.
Apple’s Position
Sources familiar with Apple’s strategy said the company will not comply, citing privacy and security concerns within its iOS ecosystem. Apple maintains that it does not follow such mandates anywhere in the world, viewing them as incompatible with its tightly controlled software environment. The company is expected to convey its stance privately to Indian authorities rather than pursue legal action. Rising component costs and ongoing antitrust disputes in India, where Apple faces potential fines of up to $38 billion, add further complexity to its position.
Political and Industry Fallout
The order triggered heated debate in Parliament, with opposition figures labeling the app a potential snooping tool. Congress Party leaders demanded a rollback, with KC Venugopal declaring, “Big Brother cannot watch us.” The government defended the app as a way to combat duplicated or spoofed IMEI numbers, which enable scams and fuel India’s large second-hand phone market. Other manufacturers, including Samsung and Xiaomi, are reviewing the directive, though industry sources noted the order was issued without prior consultation.
India’s move mirrors similar steps taken in Russia, where authorities mandated pre-installed government apps to curb fraud and promote state-backed services. While Android manufacturers have more flexibility due to the platform’s open-source nature, Apple’s closed ecosystem makes compliance more difficult. The Sanchar Saathi app has already been used to block stolen or blacklisted devices, but its mandatory installation raises broader questions about digital privacy. Analysts suggest the controversy highlights the growing tension between national security measures and consumer rights in one of the world’s largest smartphone markets.
