The Government of India is continuously taking steps to ensure the safety and security of users and to protect their personal data in the rapidly evolving digital ecosystem. It remains firmly committed to strengthening cybersecurity and safeguarding the privacy of citizens.

Mobile security is a critical aspect as smartphones are increasingly used for financial transactions, delivery of public services, and storage of sensitive personal information. With over a billion mobile users in the country, smartphones today hold vast amounts of personal and financial data, making them attractive targets for cybercriminals.

Any compromise of mobile security can lead to identity theft, financial losses, privacy violations, and unauthorized access to sensitive information such as banking details, photographs, and login credentials. For businesses as well, unsecured mobile devices pose significant risks, including data breaches and operational disruptions.

In this context, a structured process of stakeholder consultations is going on to develop an appropriate and robust regulatory framework for mobile security. These consultations are part of the Ministry’s regular and ongoing engagement with industry on safety and security standards.

MeitY routinely conducts consultations on various aspects such as safety compliance, electromagnetic interference and compatibility (EMI/EMC) parameters, Indian language support, interface requirements, and security standards. Following stakeholder consultations, detailed discussions are held with industry on different dimensions of security requirements.

The Government remains committed to working closely with industry stakeholders and addressing their concerns in a constructive manner. Accordingly, MeitY has been engaging with industry representatives to better understand technical challenges, compliance burdens, and international best practices adopted by smartphone manufacturers. The Ministry reiterates that all legitimate concerns raised by the industry will be examined with an open mind, in the best interests of both the country and the industry.

MeitY refutes the statement by an international news organisation that Government is proposing to force smartphone makers to share source code with the government and make several software changes as part of a raft of security measures, prompting opposition from giants like Apple and Samsung. These news reports have not quoted any statement from these smart phone manufacturers or the industry associations which represent them. Instead, they have selectively chosen to ignore the comments of industry association which clearly indicates its mischievous intent to sensationalise the news.

Government is fully committed to working with the industry and address their concern. That is why, the government has been engaging with the industry to better understand technical and compliance burden and best international practices which are adopted by the smart phone manufactures.

Ministry repeats that any legitimate concerns of the industry would be examined with an open mind in the best interest of country and industry.

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MSZ

(रिलीज़ आईडी: 2213520) आगंतुक पटल : 1339