Apple Resists India’s Mandatory Safety App Over Privacy Concerns
Apple has refused to comply with India's directive requiring smartphone manufacturers to preload the government's Sanchar Saathi cybersecurity app. The mandate, issued by India's Department of Telecommunications, applies to all major device makers including Samsung and Xiaomi, with a 90-day compliance window for existing devices.
The app, designed to combat phone theft and fraud, has raised surveillance concerns among privacy advocates. Apple plans to engage directly with Indian officials rather than pursue legal action, signaling its preference for diplomatic resolution over confrontation.
This standoff highlights the tension between national security mandates and corporate privacy commitments in one of the world's fastest-growing smartphone markets. The outcome could set precedents for how tech giants navigate similar demands globally.
