Smartphone makers under govt’s lens over security

New Delhi: Smartphone companies (mostly Chinese) have come under Indian government’s lens over users’ data security concerns. The government has sought the companies to outline the procedures and processes adopted by them to ensure security and privacy of users’ data.

The move is likely to come as a result of the standoff between Indian and China over the Doklam as well as other the growing issues overs Chinese IT and telecom products in the Indian market as per a report by HT.

“The ministry has given time till August 28 to all companies to furnish their responses,” a senior IT Ministry official said.

The official pointed to international and domestic reports about data leaks from mobile phones and said that in the first phase, devices and preloaded software and apps will be under scrutiny.

According to the response by the companies, the ministry will initiate verification and audit of devices where required. It has also warned of penalties under provisions of IT Act 43 (A) in case stipulated processes are not being followed.

Also read: Trai seeks answer on ‘privacy’ while app download

The official said the purpose of the taken step is to assure that required data security measures are being taken, related to hardware and software in the smartphone.

The IT ministry has written to 21 smartphone makers, the official said “Any device sold in the country should be compliant with global security standards. If companies fail to comply, further action will be taken,” he said on the condition of anonymity.

IT Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad had called a meeting of senior officials in the department, and representatives of Cert-In and others on August 14 to take stock of the situation, the official added.