The Government of India has categorically denied reports suggesting it plans to force smartphone manufacturers to share their source code with authorities. The clarification came late Sunday evening through the Press Information Bureau's fact-check unit, directly contradicting a Reuters report published earlier the same day.

Government's Official Response

The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology issued a comprehensive statement addressing the Reuters report, which had claimed that India was considering mandatory source code sharing as part of a security overhaul. The government's response was unequivocal in its denial.

The PIB fact-check unit took to social media platform X (formerly Twitter) to label the Reuters claim as "FAKE," emphasizing that the Government of India has not proposed any measure to force smartphone manufacturers to share their source code.

Stakeholder Consultation Process

According to the government's statement, the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology has initiated a process of stakeholder consultations to devise an appropriate regulatory framework for mobile security. Officials clarified that this represents part of regular and routine consultations with the industry regarding safety and security standards.

The government emphasized that once stakeholder consultations are completed, various aspects of security standards will be discussed with the industry. This collaborative approach suggests that any future regulations would involve extensive industry input rather than unilateral government mandates.

Reuters Report Claims

The Reuters report, citing unnamed sources and accessed documents, had claimed that the government proposed mandatory disclosure of source code by all smartphone makers. The report suggested these codes would potentially be tested at designated Indian laboratories as part of comprehensive security measures.

Additional measures mentioned in the Reuters report included:

• Mandatory government alerts before software updates
• Requirements for software changes allowing deletion of pre-installed apps
• Blocking apps from using cameras and microphones in background
• Automatic malware scanning at periodic intervals
• Maintaining 12-month digital records of system activity

The report also claimed that major manufacturers including Apple and Samsung had expressed concerns about revealing proprietary details, though no public statements were issued by these companies.

Industry Implications

The government's swift denial appears aimed at addressing potential concerns within the smartphone industry about intellectual property protection and regulatory compliance. The clarification emphasizes that any future security framework will emerge from collaborative consultations rather than imposed mandates.

The incident highlights the importance of official government communications in addressing market speculation and maintaining clarity around regulatory developments in India's technology sector.

The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (Meity) has officially assumed responsibility for mobile device safety standards discussions, taking over this mandate from the Department of Telecommunications (DoT). This transition aligns with the Indian Telecom Security Assurance Requirements (ITSAR) framework and represents a structured governmental approach to ensuring communication device safety.

ITSAR Framework and Regulatory Shift

The Indian Telecom Security Assurance Requirements (ITSAR), developed by the National Centre for Communication Security (NCCS) under DoT, establishes comprehensive safety standards for telecom network equipment. These standards encompass critical aspects including software updates and source code requirements for communication devices.

While DoT previously managed consultations with mobile phone companies regarding these standards, Meity now holds responsibility for addressing safety issues specifically related to mobile phones and communication devices.

Industry Engagement and Stakeholder Consultations

Meity has initiated comprehensive discussions with mobile phone manufacturers and industry stakeholders regarding safety standards implementation. The India Cellular and Electronics Association (ICEA), which represents major companies including Apple, Vivo, Xiaomi, and Dixon, has been actively participating in these consultations.

According to ICEA Chairman Pankaj Mohindroo, the engagement process follows established protocols: "It is completely normal for the government to engage industry in such discussions - ask technical and compliance questions, and for the industry to respond with international practices and what might be possible or not."

Consultation Process and Transparency

The ongoing discussions have been characterized by transparency and comprehensive engagement between government and industry representatives. Multiple meetings have occurred over several years to address various aspects of mobile device safety standards.

Industry sources indicate satisfaction with the depth and transparency of these consultations, noting that the process enables both parties to understand technical feasibility and compliance requirements effectively.

Implementation and Future Direction

Sources indicate that Meity's involvement in these discussions stems from a broader government mandate aimed at strengthening communication device safety protocols. The consultation process has recently begun under the new ministerial oversight, with ongoing conversations designed to address safety standards comprehensively.

The transition reflects a structured governmental approach to ensuring that national safety standards align with international practices while effectively addressing stakeholder concerns. The process emphasizes collaborative engagement between regulatory authorities and industry players to establish robust safety frameworks for mobile devices and communication equipment.