'No Security Testing Or Crackdown': MoS IT Rajeev Chandrashekhar Denies Report Of Centre Planning Mandated Screening Of Phones, Apps

The minister added that the Reuters report is based on a "lack of understanding."

Chandrasekhar added that the MeitY is "100 percent committed" to growing the electronics manufacturing sector to $300 billion by 2026. 

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Minister of State for IT, Rajeev Chandrasekhar, has denied a recent Reuters report that claimed that the government is considering a new framework to establish sufficient security standards for mobile phone users. The report claimed that the initiative is in response to concerns over the misuse of data and spying through pre-installed apps, citing two sources and a "government document".

In response, Chandrasekhar said, "This story is plain wrong." The minister added that the Reuters report is based on a "lack of understanding" and could be a product of "unfettered creative imagination." He said that there is a consultation process going on between the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) and the industry on mobile security guidelines and BIS standards. 

Chandrasekhar added that the MeitY is "100 percent committed" to growing the electronics manufacturing sector to $300 billion by 2026. 

This story is plain wrong - there is no "security testing" or "crackdown" as story suggests.

Story is based on lack of understanding perhaps n unfettered creative imagination that is based an ongoing consultation process btwn Ministry n Industry on mobile https://t.co/V0G1RRZLJP… https://t.co/aoQjJEr7Ed

— Rajeev Chandrasekhar 🇮🇳 (@Rajeev_GoI) March 15, 2023

Mobile phone companies are supportive of the government's efforts to prevent data abuse, but they fear that it may lead to delays in launching new handsets and affect revenue generated from pre-installed apps.

Homegrown phonemaker Lava International President Sunil Raina stated that the company's smartphones do not carry bloatware or unwanted ads, and they offer a clean Android experience to their customers. He also emphasized that customers should have the freedom to choose their apps.

None of our smartphones carry any bloatware/unwanted ads. We provide clean Android experience to our customers. We strongly believe that a device purchased by a customer is his/her property. Hence, the choice of apps should solely be with the customer.https://t.co/i9Nwdp7YxZ

— Sunil Raina (@reachraina) March 14, 2023