India’s proposed smartphone security rules are facing strong resistance from global tech giants including Apple, Samsung, Google and Xiaomi. The draft regulations could require companies to share proprietary source code with government approved labs notify authorities ahead of major software updates and comply with stricter security checks aimed at protecting user data.
Industry bodies argue that forcing disclosure of source code is unprecedented worldwide and could compromise trade secrets and innovation. They warn that these measures may also affect device performance and raise privacy concerns for millions of users in India the world’s second largest smartphone market.
Other proposed measures include limiting background access to cameras and microphones mandatory malware scans and extended security log storage. While the government says these rules are designed to enhance mobile cybersecurity tech companies maintain the approach could be burdensome and impractical.
Indian authorities have clarified that no final rules have been issued and consultations with smartphone makers are ongoing to balance security goals with industry concerns. As the debate unfolds the outcome will have significant implications for how smartphones are designed updated and secured in India potentially setting a global precedent for mobile cybersecurity standards.
