Apple Refuses to Pre-Install Indian Government’s Spy App on Phones

Islamabad (Qudrat Daily) – American smartphone company Apple has declined to comply with the Indian government’s order to pre-install a surveillance app on mobile phones.

The app has already been widely criticized by Indian opposition parties and senior journalists, who have labeled it a government spyware tool.

Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi called the app a “spy application,” accusing Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s government of targeting citizens’ privacy under the guise of governance. Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge noted that while the Modi government previously used Pegasus for surveillance, this represents a new method.

Journalist Saba Naqvi questioned whether India is moving toward becoming a “super-surveillance state” and why such measures are being taken. Journalist Rana Ayub added that, in the name of security, the Modi government is attempting to intrude into people’s homes and lives.

The Indian government had given smartphone manufacturers a 90-day deadline to install the surveillance app.