Overview
- An 83-point framework would mandate government-accessible source-code review, pre-notification of major software updates, and the option to delete pre-installed apps.
- Other proposed requirements include restricting background access to cameras and microphones, periodic malware scanning, one-year on-device log retention, anti-rollback protections, and tamper-detection warnings.
- Apple, Samsung, Google, Xiaomi, and industry body MAIT object to key measures as unprecedented and commercially sensitive, with MAIT calling source-code review “not possible.”
- The IT ministry is weighing whether to make the standards legally binding, and officials and company executives are slated to meet on Tuesday for further talks.
- IT Secretary S. Krishnan says legitimate concerns will be considered, as the government cites rising fraud and data breaches in a market with nearly 750 million phones.