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In a significant step, India's telecoms ministry has confidentially directed smartphone manufacturers to pre-install all new phones with a government-backed cybersecurity app that cannot be deleted. This order, which has been disclosed, is likely to alarm leading technology companies like Apple and prompt questions among privacy advocates.

An International Shift in Cybersecurity Regulation

In tackling a growing wave of online fraud and hacking, India is joining regulators internationally. This action parallels similar rules enacted in countries like Russia, which aim to curb the use of lost phones for illicit activities and push state-backed service apps.

Which Companies Are Bound by the Directive?

The new order binds key smartphone brands operating in the domestic market. These include Apple, a company that has previously locked horns with regulators over similar applications, as well as leaders like Samsung, Vivo, Oppo, and Xiaomi.

Specifics of the Government Order

An order dated 28 November allots smartphone companies a three-month deadline to guarantee that the government's "Messenger Friend" app is included on all new mobile phones. A notable condition is that users will not be able to remove the software.

For handsets already in the retail pipeline, manufacturers are directed to deliver the application via software patches. It is important that this order was not made public and was dispatched selectively to specific companies.

Privacy Concerns Raised

However, legal experts have flagged serious worries regarding this move. A legal expert specialising in technology matters commented that India's step is a cause for concern.

“The government in essence removes user consent as a genuine choice,” said Mishi Choudhary, an advocate working on internet rights issues.

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

The Size of the Indian Smartphone Landscape

India, among the world's largest mobile markets, boasts over 1.2 billion mobile users. Official data indicate that the cybersecurity app, launched in January, has reportedly assisted in locating more than 700,000 stolen phones, with around 50,000 recovered in October by itself.

The government argues that the software is essential to combat the “serious endangerment” of mobile network cybersecurity from fake or tampered IMEI numbers, which enable fraud and system abuse.

Apple's Likely Response

Apple's iOS runs on an estimated 4.5% of the 735 million mobile phones in India, with the vast majority using Android, according to industry analysis. While Apple pre-installs its own first-party applications on its devices, its internal policies are said to forbid the installation of any government application before the sale of a device.

“Apple has traditionally refused these kinds of mandates from governments,” commented Tarun Pathak, a analyst at Counterpoint.

“It’s expected to aim for a negotiated solution: instead of a forced pre-install, they might negotiate and ask for an alternative to nudge users towards downloading the app.”

Requests for comment from Apple, Google, Samsung, and Xiaomi were unanswered. India’s telecommunications department also remained silent.

The Role of the IMEI and the Application's Purpose

The IMEI, or International Mobile Equipment Identity, is a unique identification number assigned to each mobile device. It is typically used by operators to block network access for phones reported as stolen.

The government app is mainly created to enable users track and track lost or stolen phones across all mobile carriers, using a central database. It also allows them to spot, and disconnect, illegal mobile connections.

Impressive Usage and Results

With more than 5 million installs since its inception, the software has already helped block more than 3.7 million missing mobile phones. Moreover, over 30 million fraudulent connections have also been terminated through its use.

The government asserts that the app helps combating cyberthreats and assists in the tracking and disabling of lost or stolen phones, thereby helping police in tracing handsets and preventing cloned devices out of the black market.