🔗 Share this article

In a notable move, India's telecoms authority has discreetly asked smartphone manufacturers to pre-install all new devices with a state-owned cybersecurity app that is non-removable. This order, which has come to light, is likely to concern leading technology companies like Apple and prompt questions among digital rights groups.

A Global Pattern in Cybersecurity Policy

Addressing a recent surge of cybercrime and device misuse, India is joining authorities across the globe. This action parallels recent regulations introduced in nations like Russia, which seek to curb the use of lost phones for scams and promote state-backed tools.

What Companies Are Impacted by the Order?

The latest mandate binds leading mobile phone companies active in the Indian market. These include Apple, a company that has previously clashed with the telecom authority over comparable applications, as well as leaders like Samsung, Vivo, Oppo, and Xiaomi.

The Fine Print of the Official Mandate

An order dated 28 November gives smartphone companies a 90-day window to ensure that the official "Messenger Friend" app is factory-loaded on all new handsets. A critical condition is that consumers are prevented from deleting the software.

For handsets currently in the supply chain, makers are directed to deliver the application via system upgrades. It is worth mentioning that this order was privately circulated and was communicated selectively to chosen manufacturers.

User Consent Apprehensions Expressed

However, technology analysts have expressed major concerns regarding this decision. A lawyer specialising in tech law stated that India's step is a cause for concern.

“The government practically erodes user consent as a meaningful choice,” commented Mishi Choudhary, an expert working on digital advocacy matters.

Privacy advocates had also condemned a comparable requirement by Russia in August for a government-sponsored communication called Max to be included on phones.

The Size of the Indian Market

India, one of the world's biggest mobile markets, boasts more than 1.2 billion subscribers. Government statistics show that the Sanchar Saathi app, launched in January, has reportedly assisted in locating more than 700,000 stolen phones, with approximately 50,000 recovered in October by itself.

The authorities argues that the app is vital to combat the “significant endangerment” of mobile network cybersecurity from fake or spoofed IMEI numbers, which enable fraud and system abuse.

The Tech Giant's Likely Response

Apple's iOS runs on an approximate 4.5% of the 735 million smartphones in India, with the rest using Android, according to industry analysis. While Apple pre-installs its own first-party applications on its devices, its internal policies reportedly ban the installation of any third-party app before the purchase of a device.

“Apple has traditionally declined these kinds of requests from governments,” commented Tarun Pathak, a research director at Counterpoint.

“It’s likely to seek a negotiated solution: instead of a mandatory inclusion, they might discuss and propose an option to encourage users towards downloading the application.”

Requests for response from Apple, Google, Samsung, and Xiaomi went unresponded. India’s telecommunications department also remained silent.

The Role of the IMEI and the Application's Function

The IMEI, or International Mobile Equipment Identity, is a 14- to 17-digit number unique to each mobile device. It is typically used by networks to disable cellular access for phones flagged as stolen.

The government application is primarily intended to enable users track and track lost or stolen smartphones across all mobile carriers, using a central database. It also lets them to detect, and disconnect, fraudulent mobile connections.

Impressive Usage and Outcomes

With more than 5 million downloads since its launch, the software has already helped block over 3.7 million missing mobile phones. Furthermore, more than 30 million illegal connections have also been blocked through its use.

The government asserts that the software helps preventing digital threats and assists in the tracking and disabling of lost or stolen phones, thereby helping police in tracing devices and keeping counterfeits out of the illicit trade.