New Delhi (HRNW)– American technology giant Apple has refused to comply with an Indian government order requiring all smartphone companies to pre-load the state-owned cybersecurity app “Sanjhar Saathi” on their devices.
According to Reuters, the government instructed companies including Apple, Samsung, and Xiaomi to install the app within 90 days. The app is intended to track, block, and prevent misuse of stolen phones. The order requires installation on both new devices and existing stock via software updates, with users unable to delete the app.
Apple has stated that it does not follow such government orders in any country, citing risks to iOS system security and user privacy, and plans to formally communicate its concerns to the Indian authorities.
The move has faced criticism from opposition parties and privacy advocates. Congress leader Rahul Gandhi warned that the app could give the government access to India’s 730 million smartphone users and potentially increase citizen surveillance.
The government maintains that the app is essential to prevent the use of stolen, blacklisted, or fake IMEI phones, given the large second-hand phone market in India. Samsung and other smartphone companies are reviewing the directive.
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