Apple refuses govt app rule, Scindia says Sanchar Sathi will remain optional

New Delhi: Apple is preparing to raise concerns with the Indian government over a directive that requires smartphone makers to preload the state run Sanchar Sathi cyber safety app. The company believes such mandates could create new privacy and security issues inside the iPhone ecosystem. The situation has sparked a wider debate in the tech community about how much control users should have over devices they buy.

The government recently approved the rule to fight mobile fraud and stolen phone misuse. But Apple’s pushback shows the rollout may not be smooth. Things have been changing by the day and now Telecom Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia says the app will remain optional and users can delete it if they wish.

Reuters first reported that New Delhi issued a confidential order to Apple, Samsung, Xiaomi and others to ship the Sanchar Sathi app on every new smartphone within 90 days. The order also asked companies to ensure users cannot disable the app. Devices already in the supply chain are supposed to receive the app through software updates.

Three industry sources told Reuters that Apple does not plan to comply. Two of them said Apple will tell the government it does not follow such directives anywhere in the world. They argued the rule introduces serious risks for security and privacy on iPhones. One source said "Its not only like taking a sledgehammer, this is like a double barrel gun.” Another added Apple "can’t do this. Period.”

Apple did not publicly comment on the matter. Samsung is reviewing the situation according to another source.

India’s telecom ministry has described Sanchar Sathi as a tool to combat "serious endangerment” to cyber security. Authorities have been dealing with rising cases of cloned IMEI numbers which help criminals use stolen devices for fraud. The app helps track lost phones, block their access to networks and even identify fake mobile connections.

Government figures show the system has disabled more than 3.7 million stolen devices and recovered over 700,000 lost phones. It has also helped terminate 30 million fraudulent SIM connections. The telecom ministry said India has a "big second hand mobile device market” and cases of stolen phones being resold regularly appear.

Concerns quickly grew when reports suggested the app would become a permanent part of every phone with no uninstall option. Critics said the rule could give the government access to India’s 730 million smartphones.

KC Venugopal from the opposition Congress posted on X "Big Brother cannot watch us.”

The timing is sensitive for Apple too. The company is already fighting a major antitrust penalty case in India. Apple has warned it could face a fine of up to 38 billion dollars if the ruling goes against it.

Telecom Minister Scindia has now clarified that the app will be removable. That means users will have the choice to uninstall it after they set up their phone. The update lowers the tension a bit for brands like Apple and Samsung. It also responds to public worries about permanent government apps.

Smartphone users in India often feel stressed when they cannot remove apps preloaded by manufacturers. 

The industry is waiting for a revised official notice. Conversations between the government and smartphone makers are expected soon. India wants stronger cyber security. Companies want to protect user trust and software design.