Apple is set to drop India’s requirement to pre-install a government security app
By ForGeeks
The Indian government has issued an order requiring smartphone makers including Apple and Samsung to install the state-run Sanchar Saathi app on devices sold in the country. The companies have 90 days to comply with the order.
According to Reuters, Apple plans not to comply with the requirement and will notify Indian authorities that it does not pre-install such apps in any country where it does business, citing security and privacy risks to users.
It’s possible that the company will have to respond to the order in the future, but the mere fact that it disagreed was a notable step, as Apple decided not to follow the directive without objection. Further developments are still uncertain.
It’s possible that the company will have to respond to the order in the future.
According to Apple’s interpretation of the order, the app must not only be installed on smartphones by default, but also be uninstallable by users.
The Sanchar Saathi app is already available on the App Store for voluntary download. It allows you to report lost or stolen devices, initiate IMEI block requests to your carrier, and report fraudulent calls.
Sanchar Saathi is already available on the App Store for voluntary download.
The government attributes the need to expand the use of the app to combat crimes related to tampering or cloning of IMEIs on stolen devices. The opposition party says the requirement is unconstitutional.
