Apple Pushes Back Against India’s Mandate for Safety App Preload

TLDRs;

• Apple refuses India’s order to pre-install Sanchar Saathi app, citing privacy concerns.
• Indian government mandates all smartphone makers to update phones with safety app.
• Critics warn app could expand surveillance despite intent to reduce phone fraud.
• Secondary device market may benefit from third-party IMEI verification tools amid mandate.

Apple has signaled its refusal to comply with India’s recent directive requiring smartphone manufacturers to preload the state-run Sanchar Saathi cyber safety app.

The mandate, issued by the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) on November 28, 2025, affects not only Apple but also Samsung and Xiaomi, compelling them to install the app on new devices and distribute it through software updates to existing phones within a 90-day window.

The Sanchar Saathi app is designed to track and block stolen devices and prevent fraudulent activity. While the Indian government asserts that the mandate is a measure to strengthen digital security and protect consumers, Apple has raised concerns over privacy implications for its users.

The company has indicated that it will discuss these concerns directly with Indian officials rather than challenging the order through the courts.

Balancing Privacy and Compliance

India’s cybersecurity rules, formalized in the Telecom Cyber Security Rules 2024, provide the legal framework for this mandate. Tampering with International Mobile Equipment Identity (IMEI) numbers is a non-bailable offense under the Telecommunications Act 2023, with penalties of up to three years in prison and fines of up to Rs 5 million.

However, the specifics of enforcement for non-compliance with the pre-installation directive remain unclear. It is uncertain whether the DoT can impose fines, halt device sales, or block imports if manufacturers do not comply.

Apple’s resistance reflects a broader tension between global tech companies and national regulatory frameworks, particularly where government-mandated apps may collect sensitive user data. Privacy advocates argue that widespread pre-installation could effectively expand government surveillance across India’s 730 million smartphone users.

Opposition politicians have also voiced concerns about the potential for misuse, despite the stated objective of reducing scams and enhancing device security.

Implications for India’s Second-Hand Device Market

The mandate is particularly significant for India’s vast secondary device market, which faces persistent challenges from duplicated IMEIs and blacklisted phones. The Sanchar Saathi app, tied to the Central Equipment Identity Register (CEIR), enables users to verify whether a device has been reported stolen or blacklisted before purchase.

While Apple and other manufacturers hesitate to comply, third-party integrators could fill the gap by offering automated IMEI checks for resale platforms, insurers, and corporate mobile management services.

Such solutions can help consumers make informed decisions and prevent fraud, even if the mandated app is not universally installed. The CEIR currently offers user-facing web services and may expand API access to facilitate verification across the ecosystem.

Industry Response and Next Steps

Apple’s decision to engage directly with Indian authorities underscores its commitment to privacy while navigating regulatory pressures. Samsung and Xiaomi’s responses remain under scrutiny, with potential compliance within the 90-day window uncertain.

Meanwhile, the Indian government appears determined to enforce the mandate, citing the importance of safeguarding citizens from phone-related scams and unauthorized resale activities.

The coming weeks will test the balance between regulatory compliance, corporate privacy priorities, and the evolving security landscape in India’s mobile market. The debate highlights the ongoing tension between consumer privacy and national cybersecurity imperatives, with potential implications for other countries exploring similar mandates.

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