Archive · 12 Jan 2026
India Denies Forcing Smartphone Source Code Sharing
The Indian government wants to make smartphones safer by asking companies like Apple and Samsung to share their secret codes and make some software changes.
The companies are worried because this has never been done before in any country and could reveal their secret information.
The government says they will listen to the companies' concerns.
The companies say that sharing the secret codes is not possible because it is too private.
They also say that scanning for viruses all the time will use up the phone's battery and that asking the government to approve software updates is not practical.
The government and the companies are still talking about it and will meet again soon.
The Indian government proposes 83 security standards for smartphones, including source code sharing and mandatory malware scanning.
Smartphone manufacturers like Apple, Samsung, Google, and Xiaomi oppose the proposal, citing lack of global precedent and risks to proprietary information.
The government aims to enhance user data security amid increasing online fraud and data breaches in India's smartphone market.
Industry groups argue that source code review is not feasible due to secrecy and privacy concerns, and that regular malware scanning drains phone batteries.
The government and tech companies are in ongoing consultations, with a meeting scheduled for further discussions.
- Who
- Indian government, smartphone manufacturers (Apple, Samsung, Google, Xiaomi), and industry groups (ICEA, MAIT)
- What
- Proposed security standards for smartphones, including source code sharing and software changes
- When
- Ongoing discussions, with a meeting scheduled for Tuesday
- Where
- India
- Why
- To enhance the security of user data amid increasing online fraud and data breaches
- Organization
- India Cellular and Electronics Association (ICEA)
- Spokesperson
- Pankaj Mohindroo (ICEA Chairman)
- Nature of Discussion
- Ongoing consultation process
- Government Proposal
- 83 security standards under Indian Telecom Security Assurance Requirements
- Industry Response
- Sharing global best practices and practical limitations
- Market Share
- Xiaomi: 19%, Samsung: 15%, Apple: 5%
- Proposed Source Code Review
- Analysis and testing at designated Indian labs
- Proposed Malware Scanning
- Automatic and periodic scanning on phones
Sources
Source code talks routine, no new concern in smartphone security discussions: ICEA
Centre to discus source code sharing, ICEA terms it ‘routine’
India eyes tighter smartphone controls: Apple, Samsung may have to hand over source code
India proposes forcing smartphone makers to give source code in security overhaul
Meity working with stakeholders on mobile security; assures to address industrys legitimate concerns
Govt pressing ‘smartphone manufacturers to share source code’? PIB fact-checks report
MeitY begins industry consultations on mobile safety and security norms
India's Smartphone Industry Assures No Immediate Impact From Source Code Sharing Talks
Government debunks Reuters claim on smartphone source code sharing
Indian Govt Denies Forcing Smartphone Makers To Share Source Code Amid Security Talks
Indian government forcing smartphone makers to share source code? PIB fact-checks viral report
Tech Companies Oppose India's Proposed Phone Security Rules
India denies plan to demand smartphone source code, says talks still underway
India proposes contentious security overhaul for smartphone manufacturers, asks for source code: Report
