The Sanchar Saathi app will not be preloaded on iPhones! Apple objects to the government's order
Apple has objected to the Indian government's mandate requiring smartphone companies to preload the Sanchar Saathi app. The government is calling it a security measure. The issue has been discussed from Parliament to social media.
Sanchar Saathi App Sparks Privacy Debate: Apple has refused the Indian government's order to compulsorily preload the Sanchar Saathi app on smartphones.
The iPhone maker says that the company will not comply with this directive and will formally convey its objections to the central government.
Let us tell you that recently the government has ordered all smartphone companies to preload the Sanchar Saathi app on their phones within 90 days and not to allow its features to be disabled.
The government has described it as a security measure to prevent cyber fraud and stolen phones, while the opposition and privacy experts are considering it a threat of surveillance.
Apple objected to the government order
According to a Reuters report, the government has issued a secret order to companies like Apple, Samsung and Xiaomi to preload the Sanchar Saathi app on their phones within 90 days and not allow its features to be disabled.
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Apple has objected to this order, stating that it does not mandate such app preloads in any country in the world. The company claims this would impact the privacy and security infrastructure of iOS.
Smartphone companies vs. the government
Apple doesn't allow forced integration of external apps on iOS, so the company considers this mandate to be against its system. Android, on the other hand, is an open-source system, allowing brands like Samsung and Xiaomi to add such apps at the system level.
According to Reuters reports, these companies are reviewing the government's order and formulating a future strategy. The government argues that mandatory preloading of the Sanchar Saathi app is necessary to prevent rising cyber fraud, stolen phones, and IMEI spoofing.
What is Sanchar Saathi App?
The Sanchar Saathi platform, launched by the Department of Telecommunications (DoT), integrates systems like CEIR and TAFCOP. The CEIR module allows stolen or lost phones to be blocked to prevent misuse.
The TAFCOP feature allows users to check the mobile number details issued in their name and report a fake SIM. The government wants smartphone companies to pre-install this app on phones, making it unremovable.