What do you think about a government mandated app which may intrude in privacy on your Apple iPhone?
ComputerWorld.com reported that “User consent is under threat, at least when it comes to your right to decide what apps to install on your device. That’s because India now wants all smartphone makers to install a government-mandated app on their devices, an app that cannot be deleted. It’s yet another privacy-related struggle for Apple — and for all of us.” The December 1, 2025 article entitled " Apple faces a new privacy fight in India” (https://www.computerworld.com/article/4098695/apple-faces-a-new-privacy-fight-in-india.html) included these comments:
India’s Department of Telecommunications says the app helps prevent duplication and spoofing of IMEI numbers, which helps protect against scams and fraud and helps track stolen/counterfeit devices. IMEI numbers are 14 to 17 digits long and can be used to cut off network access.
The app, which is also available as a web portal, lets you:
Report suspected fraudulent communication.
Report unsolicited commercial communications and spam.
Track your lost or stolen device, mobile connections, and ISP.
Block a lost or stolen device and monitor mobile connections in your name.
Verify whether an incoming call or a contact being called belongs to an authentic source to protect against fraud.
The app has been downloaded 5 million times since January, according to the government, which says it has been used to recover more than 700,000 lost devices. The app uses a central registrar accessed by the networks, which can also be used to turn off network access.
What do you think?