🔗 Share this article

In a major decision, India's telecoms ministry has discreetly asked mobile phone makers to pre-install all new phones with a national cybersecurity tool that is non-removable. This directive, which has come to light, is likely to antagonise major technology companies like Apple and raise concerns among privacy advocates.

A Global Trend in Cybersecurity Policy

To combat a rising tide of online fraud and device misuse, The Indian authorities is following authorities across the globe. This step mirrors recent rules enacted in nations like Russia, which seek to curb the use of stolen phones for fraud and promote state-backed service apps.

What Companies Are Affected by the Order?

The latest order applies to major smartphone brands operating in the domestic market. These include Apple, a company that has in the past had disagreements with regulators over comparable apps, as well as leaders like Samsung, Vivo, Oppo, and Xiaomi.

Specifics of the Official Order

An order dated 28 November provides smartphone companies a 90-day window to ensure that the government's Sanchar Saathi app is pre-installed on all new handsets. A notable condition is that users are prevented from deleting the app.

For devices currently in the retail pipeline, companies are instructed to push the application via system updates. It is notable that this order was sent confidentially and was communicated privately to select firms.

Digital Rights Concerns Raised

However, technology specialists have raised major concerns regarding this policy. A lawyer focusing in tech law stated that India's step is a worrying development.

“The government in essence erodes user consent as a meaningful choice,” commented Mishi Choudhary, an expert working on internet advocacy issues.

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

The Size of the Domestic Smartphone Landscape

India, one of the world's largest telephone markets, boasts more than 1.2 billion mobile users. Official data indicate that the Sanchar Saathi app, introduced in January, has already assisted in tracking down over 700,000 stolen phones, with approximately 50,000 recovered in October alone.

The government argues that the app is vital to tackle the “grave endangerment” of mobile network cybersecurity from cloned or tampered IMEI numbers, which enable fraud and system misuse.

The Tech Giant's Stance

Apple's iOS powers an estimated 4.5% of the 735 million mobile phones in India, with the rest using Android, according to market research. While Apple pre-installs its own proprietary applications on its devices, its internal policies reportedly forbid the inclusion of any government app before the sale of a device.

“Apple has traditionally resisted such demands from authorities,” commented Tarun Pathak, a analyst at Counterpoint.

“It’s expected to aim for a middle ground: instead of a compulsory inclusion, they might negotiate and propose an alternative to encourage users towards downloading the app.”

Requests for response from Apple, Google, Samsung, and Xiaomi went unresponded. India’s telecoms department also offered no comment.

Understanding the IMEI and the Application's Purpose

The IMEI, or International Mobile Equipment Identity, is a 14- to 17-digit number unique to each mobile device. It is most commonly used by operators to block network access for phones reported as stolen.

The Sanchar Saathi application is primarily intended to help users block and locate lost or stolen phones across all telecom networks, using a national registry. It also allows them to spot, and terminate, unauthorised mobile connections.

Impressive Usage and Results

With more than 5 million installs since its launch, the app has reportedly helped block over 3.7 million missing mobile phones. Furthermore, over 30 million fraudulent connections have also been disconnected through its use.

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