The Indian government has proposed strict new rules that would force smartphone makers like Apple and Samsung to share their source code and make software changes. The plan includes 83 security standards and would also require firms to alert the government before major software updates. This move aims to boost data security amid rising fraud and breaches in India’s huge smartphone market of nearly 750 million devices. Apple, Samsung, Google, Xiaomi, and the Manufacturers’ Association for Information Technology (MAIT) are unhappy with these demands. They say no other country mandates source code sharing because it risks exposing secret technology and harms privacy. Apple previously refused China’s request for source code between 2014-2016, and US authorities have also failed to get it. The IT Ministry said it will consider industry concerns with an open mind, but the proposals are now under review. Important features in the plan include mandatory malware scanning on phones, the ability to uninstall preloaded apps, stopping apps from using cameras or mics in the background, and keeping phone logs for a year. Industry warns these could affect battery life and storage. The government also wants test labs to analyze source code and review security claims. MAIT called such reviews “not possible due to secrecy and privacy.” They say the requirement to get government approval before releasing software updates is “impractical.” India’s strong push comes amid ongoing tensions: it recently dropped a rule demanding a cyber safety app on all phones after privacy fears but kept strict rules for testing security cameras amid spying concerns. Apple holds 5% market share in India, Samsung 15%, and Xiaomi 19%, all relying on Google’s Android system. Discussions between the IT Ministry and tech firms are ongoing, with the next meeting scheduled for January 13, 2026. The government’s goal is clear: better protection of user data and national security in the fast-growing smartphone market.