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The Government of India has ordered all smartphone companies to compulsorily preload the Sanchar Saathi app in their new phones and not allow its features to be disabled. The government says that this step is a security measure to prevent incidents like cyber fraud, stolen phones and IMEI spoofing.

dispute regarding order

Controversy has increased regarding this order. Apple has challenged this directly. Apple has made it clear that it will not follow this instruction. The company says that in no country in the world does it forcefully preload any app in its iOS system and if it is done then it will affect the security and privacy infrastructure of iOS. Apple has also decided to formally send its objections to the central government.

Apart from Apple, the government has also given this order to Samsung, Xiaomi and other smartphone manufacturers. Under this instruction, companies will have to preload Sanchar Saathi app on their phones within 90 days. However, this is technically possible in Android phones because Android is an open-source platform, allowing companies to add apps at the system level. At the same time, forcibly adding external apps is not allowed on the iOS platform, due to which Apple is considering this order against its system.

Sanchar Saathi app is developed by Department of Telecommunications (DoT). It includes modules like CEIR and TAFCOP. With the help of CEIR, stolen or lost phones can be blocked, so that they are not misused. TAFCOP feature allows users to check details of mobile number issued in their name and report fake SIM. The government wants this app to be preinstalled in all smartphones and it cannot be removed.

What is the government’s argument?

The government argues that this step is necessary in view of the increasing cases of cyber crime and phone theft. At the same time, privacy experts and the opposition are calling it a threat of surveillance and are raising questions regarding security and personal privacy issues.

After this controversy, smartphone companies are considering their options and strategy. In such a situation, the technical and legal debate between Apple and the government is likely to intensify in the next few weeks.