MAIT Rejects Claims Of Mandatory Source Code Sharing, Backs MeitY's Framework
MAIT has dismissed reports claiming mandatory source code sharing requirements for smartphone manufacturers, stating such claims are incorrect and misleading. The industry body clarified that MeitY's June 18, 2025 memorandum provides clear guidance without mandating compulsory source code disclosure, superseding earlier drafts and discussions. MAIT supports the amended ITSAR framework, emphasizing it balances national security needs with intellectual property protection concerns raised by global electronics manufacturers in India.
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Industry body MAIT has categorically rejected reports suggesting that smartphone and electronics manufacturers would be forced to share proprietary source code with Indian authorities, calling such claims "incorrect and misleading". The clarification comes amid heightened scrutiny of India's cybersecurity regulations following international reports about potential mandatory source code disclosure requirements.
MeitY's Clear Guidance Framework
In an official statement, the industry association emphasized that the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) has not mandated compulsory source code disclosure. MAIT highlighted that the Office Memorandum issued on June 18, 2025, provides definitive guidance that supersedes all earlier drafts, interpretations, and informal discussions on the cybersecurity testing issue.
| Key Framework Details: | Specifications |
|---|---|
| Memorandum Date: | June 18, 2025 |
| Regulatory Status: | Supersedes earlier drafts |
| Industry Alignment: | Global practices compliant |
| IP Protection: | Intellectual property rights preserved |
Industry Association's Position
MAIT clarified that internal documents referenced in recent media reports were intended solely for member-level deliberations and should not be interpreted as advocacy for mandatory source code sharing or regulatory enforcement. The association stressed that these documents do not represent official policy positions or regulatory requirements.
The industry body expressed confidence that MeitY's guidance addresses cybersecurity testing concerns without compromising intellectual property rights, aligning with established global industry practices.
Support for ITSAR Amendments
Backing MeitY's amendments to the Indian Telecommunication Security Assurance Requirements (ITSAR), MAIT stated that the revised framework successfully strikes a balance between national security assurance and protection of proprietary technologies. This balance addresses concerns that have been repeatedly raised by global electronics manufacturers operating in the Indian market.
| ITSAR Framework Benefits: | Details |
|---|---|
| Security Assurance: | National security requirements met |
| Technology Protection: | Proprietary technologies safeguarded |
| Industry Concerns: | Global manufacturer concerns addressed |
| Regulatory Clarity: | Clear guidelines provided |
The association's endorsement of the amended framework reflects industry confidence in the government's approach to cybersecurity regulation while maintaining competitive business environments for international technology companies.
