Apple rejects Indian government request

Apple does not want to pre-install a government-controlled application on the iPhone because of security and privacy concerns.

A user experiences an iPhone at the first Apple Store in India. Photo: Reuters .

This week, India's Ministry of Telecommunications required all smartphone makers to pre-install Sanchar Saathi , a government app designed to help users block stolen devices, report scam calls, and verify used phones.

The app includes detailed government-controlled tracking functionality, potentially paving the way for widespread data access and potential surveillance, thus having privacy and security implications for iPhone users.

According to Reuters , Apple plans to refuse the order and not install the app on iPhones. The company will inform the Indian government that it will not comply with such orders in any market, due to security and privacy risks.

Sanchar Saathi is available on the App Store. The app allows users to report their phone as lost or stolen and can also trigger a request for the carrier to block the IMEI number. The app also has a function to report scam or fraudulent calls.

The Indian government appears to be keen to increase the popularity of Sanchar Saathi to help combat crime, as criminals often copy or spoof valid IMEI numbers on stolen phones. However, the main opposition party has argued that the provision is unconstitutional.

India has more than 700 million smartphone users. Any final decision will have a major impact on the level of government control over the software on devices and the ability of tech companies like Apple to enforce their own standards.

Source: https://znews.vn/apple-tu-choi-yeu-cau-cua-chinh-phu-an-do-post1608025.html