🔗 Share this article

In a notable step, India's telecoms department has discreetly directed smartphone companies to preload all new phones with a national cybersecurity app that is non-removable. This mandate, which has come to light, is expected to concern major tech firms like Apple and prompt concerns among privacy advocates.

A Worldwide Shift in Digital Security Regulation

Addressing a recent surge of online fraud and device misuse, India is following authorities internationally. This move echoes recent regulations introduced in countries like Russia, which seek to curb the use of lost phones for illicit activities and promote official tools.

Which Companies Are Impacted by the Directive?

The latest directive applies to key smartphone makers operating in the domestic market. This encompasses Apple, which has previously clashed with the telecom authority over similar applications, as well as giants like Samsung, Vivo, Oppo, and Xiaomi.

The Fine Print of the Government Mandate

An order dated 28 November allots smartphone manufacturers a three-month period to ensure that the official Sanchar Saathi app is pre-installed on all new devices. A key provision is that users are prevented from deleting the app.

For phones currently in the distribution network, companies are instructed to deliver the app via software updates. It is notable that this directive was privately circulated and was communicated privately to chosen firms.

Privacy Worries Raised

However, technology analysts have expressed significant worries regarding this decision. A legal expert specialising in tech law said that India's directive is a worrying development.

“The government effectively eliminates user consent as a real choice,” said Mishi Choudhary, an advocate working on internet advocacy issues.

Digital rights groups had previously questioned a similar requirement by Russia in August for a government-sponsored communication called Max to be included on phones.

The Size of the Indian Smartphone Landscape

India, among the world's largest mobile markets, boasts over 1.2 billion connections. Government statistics show that the cybersecurity app, introduced in January, has already assisted in recovering over 700,000 stolen phones, with around 50,000 recovered in October alone.

The government argues that the tool is vital to fight the “grave endangerment” of telecom cybersecurity from duplicate or spoofed IMEI numbers, which enable scams and system abuse.

Apple's Position

Apple's iOS powers an approximate 4.5% of the 735 million mobile phones in India, with the vast majority using Android, as per industry analysis. While Apple pre-installs its own first-party apps on its devices, its company rules are said to prohibit the installation of any third-party application before the sale of a smartphone.

“Apple has historically refused such mandates from governments,” commented Tarun Pathak, a analyst at Counterpoint.

“It’s expected to seek a negotiated solution: rather than a forced inclusion, they might discuss and propose an alternative to encourage users towards downloading the app.”

Queries for response from Apple, Google, Samsung, and Xiaomi were unanswered. India’s telecommunications department also did not respond.

Understanding the IMEI and the Application's Purpose

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

The Sanchar Saathi application is mainly intended to help users track and locate lost or stolen smartphones across all mobile carriers, using a national registry. It also enables them to spot, and block, unauthorised mobile connections.

Impressive Adoption and Results

With over 5 million installs since its inception, the software has already helped block over 3.7 million stolen or lost mobile phones. Furthermore, over 30 million illegal connections have also been disconnected through its use.

The government claims that the app helps combating digital threats and helps in the locating and blocking of lost or stolen phones, thereby aiding police in tracing devices and keeping counterfeits out of the black market.