In response to backlash against a requirement for phones in India to have a state-owned, non-removable app pre-installed, the government has now indicated that users may delete the app if they wish.
Nonetheless, this development is unlikely to alter Apple’s decision to ignore the order. Here are the specifics.
### India claims its ‘responsibility’ is to implement the app, but users can decide to uninstall it
Last week, the Indian government announced a mandate stipulating that smartphone manufacturers must pre-load a state-owned application called Sanchar Saathi. The Indian government has been advertising Sanchar Saathi as a security tool, providing features to report lost devices, block a phone’s unique IMEI number through service providers, and alert users to spam or scam calls.
Earlier today, Reuters disclosed that Apple would not adhere to the mandate:
> Apple, however, does not intend to follow the directive and will inform the government that it does not comply with such mandates globally due to significant privacy and security concerns for its iOS ecosystem, stated two industry sources knowledgeable about Apple’s issues. They requested anonymity as the company’s strategy is confidential.
One significant point of contention regarding the mandate was the obligatory nature of the app being non-removable, alongside being either pre-loaded on new devices or installed automatically through a software update.
Currently, the Indian government seems to have moderated its position on the non-removable aspect of the app, though it still appears to be insisting that manufacturers either pre-install or auto-install it.
This slight change is not expected to influence Apple’s position on the issue since it does not tackle the company’s additional worries about privacy and security.
This deadlock emerges at a moment when India is becoming increasingly vital to Apple’s operations, both as a manufacturing substitute for China and as a burgeoning consumer market, further complicating a recent conflict related to a possible $38B antitrust fine in the nation.
It remains uncertain whether this situation will prompt any action from the local government (or Apple) regarding the company’s domestic operations in the country.
Google, on the other hand, has not yet provided its input, as the company has not responded to numerous media requests for comments on the matter or to clarify whether it plans to comply or likewise reject the mandate.
