India is weighing new cybersecurity rules that would require smartphone makers to grant the government access to source code and make software changes, prompting quiet resistance from major technology companies including Apple (AAPL) and Samsung (SSNLF), Reuters reported Sunday, citing people familiar with the discussions.
The proposal is part of a broader package of more than 80 security standards aimed at protecting user data as online fraud rises in one of the world’s largest smartphone markets. The measures would also require companies to notify authorities in advance of major software updates and security patches.
Technology firms argue the requirements are unprecedented globally and could force them to expose proprietary systems. Industry representatives have warned that reviewing source code, even in controlled labs, could compromise intellectual property and user security, according to internal documents reviewed by Reuters.
Probing for vulnerabilities
The draft rules would allow Indian government-approved labs to examine source code and conduct vulnerability testing. They would also mandate changes enabling users to delete preinstalled apps and restrict background access to cameras and microphones. Additional provisions call for regular malware scans and the storage of system logs on devices for up to a year.
Companies counter that some requirements would be impractical. Industry groups say continuous malware scanning could hurt battery life, advance notice for software updates could slow urgent security fixes and long-term log storage may exceed device capacity.
The debate reflects a familiar tension between India and global tech firms. While New Delhi has recently backed down from some digital mandates after industry pushback, it has pressed ahead with others in the name of national security.
The rules, drafted in 2023, are now under renewed scrutiny as the government considers making them legally binding. Officials and executives from companies including Google (GOOGL) (GOOG) and Xiaomi (XIACF) (XIACY) are expected to continue talks this week, Reuters reported.