Apple Rejects India’s Cyber Safety App Mandate Citing Privacy Concerns
India’s government has mandated that smartphone manufacturers preload a cyber safety app, Sanchar Saathi, onto all devices, a move intended to track and block stolen phones. While the telecom ministry frames this as a security measure, the directive has sparked privacy concerns and political opposition, with critics viewing it as potential government surveillance. Apple, however, plans to resist this mandate, citing privacy and security issues inherent to its iOS ecosystem and will communicate its concerns to New Delhi. Other manufacturers like Samsung are reviewing the order, which was implemented without industry consultation, while Apple faces an ongoing antitrust penalty dispute with an Indian watchdog.
John Q. Hosedrinker