Apple is expected to raise formal objections with the Union government after India confidentially directed smartphone manufacturers to pre-install the state-run Sanchar Saathi cyber safety app on all new and existing devices. The mandate, issued on November 28, has sparked a political and public debate over privacy, data security and government oversight of India’s growing smartphone base.
Centre issues directive amid rising cyber fraud
The directive requires smartphone makers—including Apple, Samsung and Xiaomi—to preload the Sanchar Saathi app within 90 days, and to push it to older devices through software updates. According to officials, the mandate aims to curb cybercrime, track stolen devices and prevent their misuse by blocking spoofed or duplicated IMEI numbers.
The telecom ministry described the move as essential to address “serious endangerment” of national cyber security. India now has more than 730 million smartphone users, and authorities say rising incidents of fraud and the resale of blacklisted devices necessitate stronger safeguards.
Apple cites privacy and ecosystem security
Three industry sources said Apple does not intend to comply with the government order, citing its global policy of not preloading government apps. Apple fears that mandatory inclusion of such software—and a requirement that it cannot be disabled—could undermine iOS privacy architecture and introduce vulnerabilities.
Two sources familiar with Apple’s internal discussions said the company plans to convey these concerns privately. Apple is not expected to mount a legal challenge or public campaign but will insist that the directive conflicts with its fundamental security framework.
One source described the mandate as “not just a sledgehammer, but a double-barrel gun”.
Government faces political backlash
The order triggered heated exchanges in Parliament on Tuesday, with opposition leaders alleging that the app could function as a tool for state surveillance. Congress MP Rahul Gandhi indicated he would raise the issue during parliamentary proceedings, while party general secretary KC Venugopal wrote that “Big Brother cannot watch us.”
Responding to the uproar, Telecom Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia said the app was “voluntary and democratic”, allowing users to delete or disable it. However, he did not address the confidential directive that asks manufacturers to ensure the app’s functionalities “are not disabled or restricted”.
Industry seeks clarity, expresses concern
Manufacturers say the directive arrived without industry consultation. Samsung and Xiaomi are still reviewing the order, according to sector insiders, though no public statements have been issued. The mandate comes at a delicate moment for Apple, which is currently contesting an antitrust penalty that could reach USD 38 billion under Indian law.
Tech industry analysts note that while Google’s Android ecosystem provides flexibility for device makers, Apple’s tightly controlled iOS environment leaves little room for mandated software additions.
Global context and rising cyber threats
India’s move mirrors growing international efforts to reduce cyber fraud, with some countries mandating tools to block stolen devices. However, in most democracies these measures stop short of requiring preinstalled, non-removable state apps. Comparisons have instead been drawn with Russia, which mandates a suite of state-backed apps on all smartphones.
Authorities maintain that Sanchar Saathi is a citizen-protection tool, helping users report lost phones and preventing reactivation of blacklisted devices in India’s large second-hand market.
As the government prepares to clarify its position, industry observers say that any policy affecting hundreds of millions of users must balance cyber safety with constitutional privacy protections and global technology standards.