The government has dismissed claims by an international news organization suggesting a plan to compel smartphone manufacturers to disclose their source code and implement various software modifications for security reasons. Notably, industry giants like Apple and Samsung have opposed this alleged proposal. The IT Ministry clarified that the reports did not include any statements from the smartphone makers or their industry associations, accusing the news of being sensationalized.
In its commitment to enhancing cybersecurity and protecting citizens’ privacy, the government emphasized an ongoing stakeholder consultation process aimed at formulating a robust regulatory framework for mobile security. These consultations form part of the IT Ministry’s routine engagement with the industry to ensure safety and security standards are met in the digital landscape. The ministry highlighted discussions covering safety compliance, security standards, and other technical aspects following stakeholder consultations.
Furthermore, the government assured that it is collaborating closely with industry stakeholders to address their apprehensions in a constructive manner. The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) has been actively discussing technical challenges, compliance issues, and global best practices with smartphone manufacturers. It pledged to consider all legitimate concerns raised by the industry with an open mind, prioritizing the nation’s interests alongside industry needs.
India’s smartphone manufacturing sector downplayed concerns surrounding the alleged source code sharing proposal, emphasizing that the issue is part of an ongoing consultation process and not an immediate regulatory change. The India Cellular and Electronics Association (ICEA) underscored that the dialogues between the government and the industry have been longstanding, cautioning against interpreting them as abrupt policy alterations.
