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In a notable step, India's telecoms department has discreetly asked mobile phone manufacturers to pre-install all new phones with a government-backed cybersecurity tool that is non-removable. This order, which has come to light, is set to concern leading technology firms like Apple and raise concerns among consumer watchdogs.

A Global Pattern in Digital Security Regulation

In tackling a growing wave of digital scams and phone theft, India is following governments across the globe. This action echoes recent measures introduced in countries like Russia, which aim to curb the use of lost phones for scams and push state-backed service apps.

What Companies Are Affected by the Directive?

The recent mandate binds major mobile phone makers active in the Indian market. Among them are Apple, which has in the past had disagreements with the telecom authority over similar apps, as well as giants like Samsung, Vivo, Oppo, and Xiaomi.

Specifics of the Government Order

An order dated 28 November gives smartphone companies a three-month period to ensure that the government's "Messenger Friend" application is pre-installed on all new handsets. A notable provision is that owners cannot disable the app.

For devices already in the distribution network, companies are required to deliver the app via software updates. It is notable that this order was not made public and was sent privately to specific companies.

Privacy Worries Expressed

However, technology analysts have raised serious worries regarding this decision. A legal expert specialising in tech issues commented that India's directive is a worrying development.

“The government effectively erodes user consent as a meaningful choice,” stated Mishi Choudhary, an advocate working on digital rights issues.

Digital rights groups had earlier questioned a comparable mandate by Russia in August for a government-sponsored communication called Max to be pre-installed on phones.

The Size of the Indian Smartphone Landscape

India, one of the world's largest mobile markets, boasts over 1.2 billion subscribers. Government statistics reveal that the cybersecurity app, introduced in January, has already assisted in recovering more than 700,000 lost phones, with an estimated 50,000 found in October by itself.

The government contends that the software is essential to tackle the “significant endangerment” of mobile network cybersecurity from fake or tampered IMEI numbers, which facilitate fraud and network misuse.

Apple's Position

Apple's iOS powers an approximate 4.5% of the 735 million mobile phones in India, with the vast majority using Android, according to market research. While Apple pre-installs its own proprietary apps on its devices, its company guidelines reportedly ban the inclusion of any third-party app before the sale of a smartphone.

“Apple has historically refused such requests from authorities,” noted Tarun Pathak, a research director at Counterpoint.

“It’s expected to aim for a middle ground: rather than a mandatory pre-install, they might discuss and ask for an option to encourage users towards installing the application.”

Requests for response from Apple, Google, Samsung, and Xiaomi went unresponded. India’s telecoms department also remained silent.

Understanding the IMEI and the Application's Purpose

The IMEI, or International Mobile Equipment Identity, is a 14- to 17-digit number unique to each handset. It is primarily used by operators to block network access for phones flagged as lost.

The government application is primarily created to enable users block and locate lost or stolen phones across all mobile carriers, using a national registry. It also allows them to identify, and disconnect, unauthorised mobile connections.

Notable Adoption and Results

With more than 5 million downloads since its release, the app has already helped block over 3.7 million missing mobile phones. Moreover, more than 30 million illegal connections have also been terminated through its use.

The authorities asserts that the tool helps combating cyberthreats and helps in the locating and disabling of missing phones, thereby aiding police in recovering devices and preventing counterfeits out of the black market.