India orders Apple to pre-install an undeletable state security app on iPhones
10 days ago
- #Apple
- #Privacy
- #Government Regulation
- Indian government mandates pre-installation of 'Sanchar Saathi' security app on all smartphones, which cannot be removed by users.
- Existing iPhone users will also receive the app via a software update.
- Manufacturers have 90 days to comply with the new directive.
- The app is framed as a tool for recovering lost/stolen phones but raises privacy concerns due to government tracking capabilities.
- DoT also requires encrypted messaging apps like WhatsApp to link to SIM card's IMSI, enabling government identification of users.
- Apple may negotiate for a less extreme policy but will likely comply due to India's importance as a market and manufacturing hub.
- Apple has previously compromised on privacy in China, suggesting a similar approach may be taken in India.