🔗 Share this article

In a major step, India's telecoms authority has privately instructed mobile phone manufacturers to preload all new handsets with a state-owned cybersecurity application that must remain installed. This mandate, which has come to light, is set to alarm major technology firms like Apple and raise questions among consumer watchdogs.

A Global Shift in Cybersecurity Policy

In tackling a rising tide of online fraud and device misuse, India is following authorities across the globe. This action parallels similar regulations enacted in nations like Russia, which seek to block the use of stolen phones for scams and push state-backed service apps.

What Manufacturers Are Affected by the Directive?

The recent directive binds major mobile phone brands active in the Indian market. These include Apple, a company that has previously locked horns with the telecom authority over comparable applications, as well as leaders like Samsung, Vivo, Oppo, and Xiaomi.

The Fine Print of the Government Order

An order dated 28 November allots smartphone companies a three-month window to ensure that the official "Messenger Friend" app is factory-loaded on all new mobile phones. A notable provision is that users will not be able to remove the app.

For phones already in the distribution network, makers are required to push the application via software patches. It is notable that this order was sent confidentially and was dispatched privately to select companies.

Privacy Worries Expressed

However, technology experts have expressed serious worries regarding this move. A lawyer focusing in technology issues stated that India's action is a worrying development.

“The government practically erodes user consent as a meaningful choice,” said Mishi Choudhary, an advocate working on internet rights matters.

Consumer organisations had previously questioned a similar requirement by Russia in August for a state-backed messenger called Max to be pre-installed on phones.

The Size of the Indian Market

India, one of the world's biggest telephone markets, boasts over 1.2 billion connections. Official statistics indicate that the Sanchar Saathi app, introduced in January, has already assisted in locating over 700,000 stolen phones, with around 50,000 recovered in October by itself.

The authorities states that the app is essential to tackle the “serious endangerment” of mobile network cybersecurity from fake or tampered IMEI numbers, which are used for scams and network abuse.

Apple's Stance

Apple's iOS powers an estimated 4.5% of the 735 million smartphones in India, with the vast majority using Android, according to market research. While Apple pre-installs its own first-party apps on its devices, its internal guidelines are said to forbid the installation of any government app before the sale of a device.

“Apple has historically resisted such requests from governments,” noted Tarun Pathak, a analyst at Counterpoint.

“It’s probable to aim for a middle ground: instead of a forced pre-install, they might discuss and propose an alternative to nudge users towards installing the application.”

Requests for response from Apple, Google, Samsung, and Xiaomi went unanswered. India’s telecommunications department also did not respond.

The Role of the IMEI and the App's Function

The IMEI, or International Mobile Equipment Identity, is a 14- to 17-digit number unique to each handset. It is most commonly used by operators to cut off cellular access for phones flagged as stolen.

The government app is mainly designed to enable users block and locate missing phones across all telecom networks, using a central database. It also allows them to identify, and block, illegal mobile connections.

Impressive Adoption and Results

With over 5 million downloads since its inception, the app has already been used to disable more than 3.7 million missing mobile phones. Furthermore, more than 30 million fraudulent connections have also been disconnected through its use.

The government states that the tool aids in preventing digital threats and assists in the locating and disabling of missing phones, thereby helping police in tracing handsets and keeping cloned devices out of the black market.