🔗 Share this article

In a significant step, India's telecoms department has privately directed smartphone makers to include all new phones with a state-owned cybersecurity application that cannot be deleted. This mandate, which was revealed, is set to concern leading technology companies like Apple and raise questions among consumer watchdogs.

A Global Pattern in Cybersecurity Policy

Addressing a rising tide of digital scams and device misuse, The Indian authorities is joining governments worldwide. This move mirrors recent rules enacted in countries like Russia, which seek to prevent the use of lost phones for fraud and promote state-backed service apps.

Which Manufacturers Are Affected by the Order?

The new order binds key smartphone makers active in the domestic market. Among them are Apple, which has previously had disagreements with the telecom authority over similar apps, as well as leaders like Samsung, Vivo, Oppo, and Xiaomi.

Details of the Government Order

An order dated 28 November provides phone companies a 90-day deadline to ensure that the government's "Messenger Friend" app is factory-loaded on all new handsets. A key condition is that consumers cannot disable the software.

For phones currently in the supply chain, makers are required to deliver the application via software updates. It is worth mentioning that this directive was not made public and was dispatched privately to chosen manufacturers.

Digital Rights Apprehensions Expressed

However, legal experts have expressed significant apprehensions regarding this policy. A legal expert focusing in tech matters stated that India's directive is a reason to worry.

“The government practically erodes user consent as a meaningful choice,” said Mishi Choudhary, an expert working on digital advocacy matters.

Consumer organisations had earlier criticised a comparable mandate by Russia in August for a government-sponsored messenger app to be included on phones.

The Scope of the Domestic Smartphone Landscape

India, one of the world's largest mobile markets, boasts over 1.2 billion connections. Government statistics show that the Sanchar Saathi app, launched in January, has reportedly assisted in locating over 700,000 stolen phones, with around 50,000 found in October by itself.

The government contends that the tool is crucial to tackle the “serious endangerment” of mobile network cybersecurity from fake or spoofed IMEI numbers, which are used for fraud and system abuse.

The Tech Giant's Likely Response

Apple's iOS powers an approximate 4.5% of the 735 million smartphones in India, with the rest using Android, according to market research. While Apple pre-installs its own first-party apps on its devices, its company rules reportedly prohibit the installation of any third-party application before the sale of a device.

“Apple has historically declined these kinds of requests from authorities,” noted Tarun Pathak, a research director at Counterpoint.

“It’s likely to seek a compromise: rather than a forced inclusion, they might discuss and propose an option to encourage users towards downloading the application.”

Queries for comment from Apple, Google, Samsung, and Xiaomi went unanswered. India’s telecommunications department also remained silent.

The Role of the IMEI and the App's Function

The IMEI, or International Mobile Equipment Identity, is a unique identification number unique to each handset. It is typically used by carriers to block network access for phones reported as lost.

The Sanchar Saathi app is primarily designed to enable users track and locate lost or stolen smartphones across all mobile carriers, using a national registry. It also lets them to spot, and block, unauthorised mobile connections.

Notable Usage and Results

With more than 5 million downloads since its inception, the app has reportedly helped block over 3.7 million stolen or lost mobile phones. Additionally, over 30 million fraudulent connections have also been terminated through its use.

The authorities states that the tool aids in preventing digital threats and assists in the tracking and disabling of lost or stolen phones, thereby aiding police in tracing devices and keeping counterfeits out of the illicit trade.