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India Rebuts Report of Mandatory Source Code Disclosure as Talks Continue on Phone Security Rules

Officials say consultations on ITSAR security standards are ongoing following reports of source code review requirements.

Overview

  • Reuters reported draft rules listing about 83 standards, including government‑designated lab reviews of proprietary code, prior notice of major updates, and tighter limits on background access to cameras and microphones.
  • The draft also outlines 12‑month on‑device log retention, periodic malware scans, uninstallable pre‑installed apps, jailbreak or root warnings, and anti‑rollback protections.
  • Apple, Samsung, Google, Xiaomi and industry group MAIT lodged objections, calling source code access unprecedented and warning of battery drain, slower performance, storage limits, and privacy risks.
  • IT Secretary S. Krishnan said legitimate industry concerns will be addressed and described it as premature to draw conclusions, with another meeting between officials and tech executives expected on Tuesday.
  • The Press Information Bureau stated there is no proposal to force code sharing and that no final regulations have been framed, characterizing the process as routine stakeholder consultation.