New Delhi: The Government of India has clarified that it is not forcing smartphone makers to hand over their source code, following widespread attention to a recent media report on a proposed overhaul of mobile security rules.
Earlier this month, a report by Reuters said India was considering new security standards for smartphones that could require manufacturers to share sensitive software information with government testing agencies. The report suggested the move was part of a broader effort to strengthen mobile security as online fraud and cyber threats rise.
However, Indian authorities have now said there is no decision or policy that compels companies to disclose proprietary source code. Officials from the Government of India described claims of mandatory source code sharing as incorrect and said discussions with the industry are still at a consultation stage.
According to officials, the talks focus on improving user safety and device security. These include better control over camera and microphone access, clearer permissions for apps, options to remove pre installed applications, and stronger protection against malware. The government says these ideas are part of routine consultations and not final rules.
Smartphone makers such as Apple and Samsung had earlier raised concerns that sharing source code could expose intellectual property and slow down software updates. Industry groups also warned that such requirements would be difficult to implement and could affect global supply chains.
Civil society organisations have said stronger phone security can benefit users but have urged the government to ensure that privacy and data protection are not compromised in the process.
The government has stressed that no legally binding regulation has been issued and that stakeholder feedback is still being reviewed. Any final decision, officials said, will balance national security needs, user privacy, and the concerns of technology companies.
For now, India’s proposed smartphone security changes remain under discussion, with authorities signalling that reports of forced source code disclosure do not reflect the current position.