The Indian government has ignited a major debate in the tech world by proposing stringent new security regulations for smartphones. A key and controversial element of these rules would mandate global giants like Apple, Samsung, and Xiaomi to share their devices' source code with authorities. This move, aimed at bolstering national security, is facing fierce opposition from the industry, which argues it sets a dangerous global precedent and risks exposing confidential technology.
What the Proposed Security Rules Entail
India, as the world's second-largest smartphone market with approximately 750 million phones, is seeking to formalize a set of draft rules known as the Telecom Security Assurance Requirements, initially drafted in 2023. According to a Reuters report, these regulations are now being considered for legal enforcement and include several key provisions beyond the source code review.
The proposed measures would grant the government the power to review or test the source code of smartphones sold in the country. They also aim to empower users by allowing them to uninstall pre-installed applications, a move that could disrupt the business models of many manufacturers.
Other significant clauses include blocking apps from accessing the camera and microphone in the background without explicit user consent, enabling automatic malware scanning on devices, and requiring companies to inform the government about major software updates before public release. Furthermore, manufacturers would be required to store phone system logs for a minimum of 12 months.
Industry Pushback and Global Context
The requirement for source code sharing has become the primary flashpoint. Smartphone manufacturers are united in their opposition. An IT ministry document from December, cited in the report, notes that the industry has "raised concerns that globally security requirement have not been mandated by any country."
The Manufacturing Association of Information Technology (MAIT), representing these firms, issued a confidential statement arguing the mandate is "not possible ... due to secrecy and privacy." The group emphasized that major countries in the EU, North America, Australia, and Africa do not impose such requirements.
This stance finds support in recent history. The report points out that Apple reportedly declined a similar request for source code from China between 2014 and 2016. Even U.S. law enforcement agencies have attempted and failed to gain such access, highlighting the fiercely protected nature of this intellectual property.
Government's Stance and Market Realities
In response to the industry's concerns, IT Secretary S. Krishnan stated that "any legitimate concerns of the industry will be addressed with an open mind." He cautioned that it was "premature to read more into it," suggesting the rules are still under discussion and not yet finalized.
The market stakes are incredibly high. Current estimates from Counterpoint Research show that while Apple holds a 5% share of the vast Indian market, Android-based players dominate. Xiaomi leads with a 19% market share, closely followed by Samsung at 15%. Any regulation that affects their operations or cost structure could have significant repercussions on pricing, innovation, and their market strategy in India.
The government's push is framed within the context of national security, aiming to prevent espionage and ensure the integrity of devices used by millions of citizens. However, the tech industry fears that complying with the source code rule could compromise their core intellectual property, create vulnerabilities if the code is mishandled, and set a precedent other nations might follow, fracturing the global nature of technology development.
The outcome of this standoff will shape not only the security landscape of India's digital ecosystem but also define the balance between sovereign regulatory power and the operational freedom of global technology corporations in one of their most critical growth markets.
