🔗 Share this article

In a major move, India's telecoms department has privately asked smartphone makers to preload all new handsets with a government-backed cybersecurity app that cannot be deleted. This directive, which has come to light, is expected to concern major technology firms like Apple and prompt concerns among consumer watchdogs.

A Global Shift in Digital Security Regulation

Addressing a rising tide of digital scams and phone theft, India is following regulators internationally. This move mirrors recent measures introduced in countries like Russia, which seek to prevent the use of stolen phones for fraud and push government-developed tools.

Which Manufacturers Are Bound by the Directive?

The new mandate applies to leading mobile phone companies operating in the Indian market. Among them are Apple, which has previously clashed with regulators over comparable applications, as well as leaders like Samsung, Vivo, Oppo, and Xiaomi.

Specifics of the Government Order

An order dated 28 November gives phone companies a 90-day window to ensure that the official "Messenger Friend" app is pre-installed on all new handsets. A notable condition is that users will not be able to remove the application.

For devices already in the retail pipeline, makers are instructed to deliver the application via software updates. It is important that this order was sent confidentially and was communicated privately to select firms.

User Consent Concerns Raised

However, legal specialists have flagged serious apprehensions regarding this policy. A lawyer focusing in tech law stated that India's action is a reason to worry.

“The government effectively eliminates user consent as a real choice,” stated Mishi Choudhary, an expert working on internet rights issues.

Digital rights groups had also condemned a similar requirement by Russia in August for a government-sponsored messenger called Max to be pre-installed on phones.

The Scope of the Indian Market

India, one of the world's biggest mobile markets, boasts more than 1.2 billion mobile users. Government data indicate that the cybersecurity application, introduced in January, has reportedly helped tracking down over 700,000 stolen phones, with approximately 50,000 found in October by itself.

The government contends that the app is vital to tackle the “grave endangerment” of mobile network cybersecurity from duplicate or spoofed IMEI numbers, which enable scams and network abuse.

The Tech Giant's Position

Apple's iOS powers an approximate 4.5% of the 735 million smartphones in India, with the rest using Android, as per industry analysis. While Apple pre-installs its own proprietary apps on its devices, its company policies are said to ban the inclusion of any government application before the sale of a device.

“Apple has historically resisted such requests from authorities,” noted Tarun Pathak, a research director at Counterpoint.

“It’s likely to pursue a negotiated solution: rather than a forced inclusion, they might negotiate and ask for an alternative to nudge users towards installing the application.”

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

Understanding the IMEI and the Application's Purpose

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

The Sanchar Saathi application is chiefly created to help users track and locate missing phones across all telecom networks, using a central database. It also enables them to identify, and disconnect, fraudulent mobile connections.

Notable Adoption and Results

With more than 5 million installs since its launch, the software has already been used to disable more than 3.7 million stolen or lost mobile phones. Additionally, more than 30 million fraudulent connections have also been terminated through its use.

The government states that the app aids in preventing digital threats and assists in the locating and disabling of missing phones, thereby helping police in tracing devices and preventing counterfeits out of the illicit trade.