Apple Rejects India’s Order to Pre-Install State Cyber Safety App on All Smartphones

American tech giant Apple has refused to comply with the Indian government’s directive requiring all smartphone manufacturers to pre-install the state-owned cyber safety application “Sanchar Saathi” on their devices.

According to Reuters, the Indian government privately instructed Apple, Samsung, Xiaomi, and several other companies to install the app within 90 days. The government claims that the app is designed to help track, block, and prevent the misuse of stolen mobile phones.

The order states that the app must not only be installed on all newly manufactured devices but also added to existing inventories through a software update. Additionally, users would not be allowed to delete the app from their phones.

Apple, however, has made it clear that it does not follow such government mandates in any country, arguing that these requirements threaten the security architecture of iOS and compromise user privacy. Company officials are expected to formally convey their concerns to the Indian government soon.

Opposition parties and privacy-rights activists have sharply criticized the move. Congress leader Rahul Gandhi said the government is attempting to gain access to the personal data of 730 million smartphone users, warning that the app could become a tool for increased state surveillance.

Meanwhile, the Indian government maintains that the purpose of the app is to curb the usage of stolen, blacklisted, or fake IMEI devices, particularly in a country where the second-hand smartphone market is vast.

Samsung and other major manufacturers are also reportedly reviewing the government directive.