Exclusive: Apple to defy India's order to pre-install government-run app amidst growing political backlash.

NEW DELHI, Dec 2 (Reuters) - Apple has decided not to comply with India's requirement to pre-install a government-owned cybersecurity app on its smartphones and plans to communicate its objections to authorities in New Delhi, according to three sources familiar with the situation. The directive, which raised privacy concerns, applies to multiple companies including Apple, Samsung, and Xiaomi.

The Indian government has instructed manufacturers to integrate an app called Sanchar Saathi (Communication Partner) into devices within 90 days. The app is designed to track stolen phones, block them, and prevent misuse. Authorities have also asked that the app remain active and not be disabled. For devices already in circulation, companies must deploy it via software updates, Reuters reported on Monday.

India's telecom ministry confirmed the initiative, describing it as a measure to counter "serious endangerment" of cybersecurity. However, critics including political opponents of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and privacy advocates have expressed concerns that the app could allow the government access to India's 730 million smartphones.

Two industry sources familiar with Apple's position stated that the company will not follow the mandate and will explain that it does not comply with similar directives anywhere globally, citing privacy and security risks for iOS users. Both sources requested anonymity due to the confidential nature of Apple's strategy. "It's not just like taking a sledgehammer, this is like a double-barrel gun," one source remarked.

Neither Apple nor the telecom ministry responded to requests for comment. The directive coincides with Apples ongoing legal dispute with an Indian regulator over antitrust penalties, where the company could face fines up to $38 billion.

One source noted that Apple does not intend to pursue legal action or publicly confront the government, but will clearly communicate that the order cannot be followed due to security risks. "Apple can't do this. Period," the person emphasized. Other companies, such as Samsung, are reviewing the mandate, according to a fourth industry source. Samsung has not responded to inquiries.

Reports indicate that the government issued the mandate without consulting the industry. Apple tightly controls its App Store and proprietary iOS software, crucial for its $100 billion-per-year services business, while Androids open-source platform allows manufacturers like Samsung and Xiaomi more flexibility to modify software.

The main opposition Congress Party has urged the government to withdraw the requirement. KC Venugopal, a senior Congress leader, posted on X, stating: "Big Brother cannot watch us."

According to the government's statement, the app aims to address issues like duplicated or spoofed IMEI numbers, which can enable fraud and network abuse. "India has a large second-hand mobile device market," the telecom ministry noted. "There have been cases where stolen or blacklisted devices were resold."

Author: Sophia Brooks