Apple rejects India’s demand to preload state security app
Apple is resisting an order from India’s Department of Telecommunications (DoT) that would force all smartphone makers to preinstall a government cybersecurity app on new devices.
According to Reuters, the DoT has given major manufacturers 90 days to ship phones with the Sanchar Saathi (Communication Partner) app, which cannot be removed by users and is meant to track and block stolen phones and curb fraud. Apple has reportedly told officials it does not follow such mandates anywhere in the world and argues the requirement raises privacy and security concerns for its iOS ecosystem. The Indian government defends the move as a way for citizens to verify a handset’s authenticity and report misuse. Similar pressures are emerging elsewhere: in August, Russia ordered all phones and tablets to include the state-backed MAX messenger app by default.
More from Policy
India and Germany have signed an agreement to step up cooperation in telecommunications and information and communication technologies (ICT). The pact
Nigeria is moving ahead with one of Africa’s first dedicated artificial intelligence laws, according to Bloomberg, aiming to set ground rules for how
Telecom networks will sit at the centre of India’s push into artificial intelligence, according to TRAI chairman AK Lahoti. Speaking on the India AI M
New York has reopened applications for its Municipal Infrastructure Program, making up to $36 million available for local broadband projects. The prog
Meta has deleted nearly 550,000 accounts in Australia in the first week of the country’s new under-16 social media ban. Between 4 and 11 December 2025
India plans to extend 4G mobile coverage to every village by June 2026, Union Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia has said. The target is part of the govern