Apple is reportedly refusing to comply with a new directive from the Indian government that requires all smartphone makers to preload the Sanchar Saathi app on devices sold in the country. The app, developed by the Department of Telecommunications (DoT), is designed to help users verify phone authenticity, report fraud, and block lost or stolen devices using their IMEI numbers.
However, the mandate has sparked intense debate around privacy, surveillance, and platform security.
Why Apple Is Objecting
According to a Reuters report citing multiple sources, Apple has informed the government that it does not preload government apps on iPhones in any country, as doing so could compromise the privacy and security protections built into iOS.
Industry insiders say Apple will convey its concerns directly to New Delhi, arguing that such requirements “raise a host of privacy and security issues.” While Apple does not plan to challenge the order in court, it is expected to make it clear that it cannot follow the mandate for technical and policy reasons.
What the Government Wants
Under the directive issued by the DoT, Sanchar Saathi must be pre-installed on all phones manufactured or imported for use in India. This includes devices from Apple, Samsung, Google, Xiaomi, and other major brands.
The government positions the app as a consumer-protection tool that combats mobile theft and digital fraud threats that have grown as smartphone usage surges in the country.
Privacy Concerns Intensify
Privacy advocates have raised alarms, warning that the app’s permissions and data access could be misused. According to its privacy policy:
On iPhones, the app requests access to:
- Camera
- Photos
- Files
On Android devices, the app requests access to:
- Call logs
- Ability to send messages
- Control over making and managing calls
- Camera and photos
Since Android holds 95% of India’s smartphone market, the level of access requested has become a major point of contention.
Also Read: WhatsApp Web to Auto Logout Every Six Hours Under New Indian Rules
Confusion Over Whether the App Can Be Removed
Initial reports suggested that the government wanted the app to be non-removable.
However, Communications Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia later clarified that users are free to delete the app after purchase. “It can be deleted from the mobile phone just like any other app,” he said.
What’s Next?
With Apple resisting the order and privacy groups voicing serious concerns, the government may face pressure to revisit or refine the mandate. The standoff highlights a broader global debate: how much access should governments have to users’ devices, and where should the line be drawn between security and privacy?
As the situation develops, all eyes are on how India balances national security goals with consumer rights and whether Apple’s refusal sets the stage for a larger policy confrontation.
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