India proposes forcing smartphone makers to provide source script in security overhaul
India proposes requiring smartphone makers to equity source script with the government and create several program changes as part of a raft of
An illustrative image related to: India proposes forcing smartphone makers to provide source script in security overhaul, highlighting key aspects of the story. | Image source: The Express Tribune
India proposes forcing smartphone makers to provide source script in security overhaul
India proposes requiring smartphone makers to equity source script with the government and create several program changes as part of a raft of security measures, prompting behind-the-scenes opposition from giants like Apple and Samsung.
The tech companies have countered that the package of 83 security standards, which would plus contain a requirement to alert the government to major program updates, lacks any global precedent and risks revealing proprietary details, according to four individuals familiar with the discussions and a Reuters examine of confidential government and division documents.
The scheme is part of Prime Secretary Narendra Modi's efforts to raise security of user metrics as online fraud and metrics breaches raise in the world's second-largest smartphone arena, with nearly 750 million phones.
IT Secretary S. Krishnan told Reuters that "any legitimate concerns of the division will be addressed with an unlock mind", adding it was "premature to scan more into it". A ministry spokesperson said it could not remark further due to active consultation with tech companies on the proposals.
Apple , South Korea's Samsung , Google , China's Xiaomi and MAIT, the Indian division collective that represents the firms, did not answer to requests for remark. Indian government requirements have irked tech firms before. Last month it revoked an mandate mandating a state-operate cyber protection app on phones amid concerns over surveillance. Still the government brushed aside lobbying last year and required rigorous testing for security cameras over fears of Chinese spying.
Xiaomi and Samsung - whose phones apply Google's Android operating framework - retain 19% and 15%, respectively, of India's arena equity and Apple 5%, Counterpoint Research estimates. Among the most sensitive requirements in the fresh Indian Telecom Security Assurance Requirements is reach to source script - the underlying programming instructions that create phones work. This would be analysed and possibly tested at designated Indian labs, the documents display.
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