Apple doesn't plan to preload its smartphones with a state-owned
cyber safety app in India. That's according to three
sources close to the matter. They said the US
tech giant will tell New Delhi about their concerns over
the government mandate. The Indian government has confidentially ordered
companies including Apple, Samsung, and Xiaomi to preload
their phones with an app. It's called Sanaratti or
Communication Partner, and authorities want it loaded within 90
days. The app aims to track stolen phones,
block them, and prevent them from being misused.
The government also wants manufacturers to make sure the app
isn't disabled. India's Telecom Ministry confirmed the move later
and called it a security measure to stop serious endangerment
of cybersecurity, but Prime Minister Narendra Modi's political opponents
and privacy advocates oppose the move. They believe it's
a way for the government to gain access to India's
730 million smartphones, and they argue the app could
be used as a snooping tool. India's Communications Minister
Jyoiraditya Skinia said Tuesday in response to the criticism,
the app was a voluntary and democratic system. He
added users can choose to activate it and can easily
delete it from their phone at any time. Sources
said Apple will tell the government it doesn't follow such
mandates anywhere in the world. That's due to a
number of privacy and security issues for the company's iOS
ecosystem. Apple and India's telecoms ministry didn't respond to
requests for comment.