India orders device makers to put government-run security app on all phones
Apple reportedly won't comply with a government order in India to preload iPhones with a state-run app that can track and block lost or stolen phones via a device's International Mobile Equipment Identity (IMEI) code. While the government describes it as a tool to help consumers, privacy advocates say it could easily be repurposed for surveillance.
Reuters reported today, citing three anonymous sources, that Apple does not plan to comply with a mandate to preload its smartphones with a state-owned cyber safety app and will convey its concerns to New Delhi." Reuters noted that the government mandate has sparked surveillance concerns and a political uproar."
The government's Sanchar Saathi (Communication Partner") app is billed as a consumer tool for reporting suspected fraud communications, verifying the genuineness of a phone, and blocking lost or stolen handsets. The app can already be installed by users as it is available on the Apple and Google Play app stores, but the government wants device makers such as Apple, Google, Samsung, and Xiaomi to load phones with the app before they are shipped.