Privacy is once again at the heart of a telecom debate, this time between Apple and India's telcom regulators. The issue is the development of an anti-spam mobile application, being led by the Indian government.
India has the world's second largest wireless telecom market behind China, and its citizens are inundated on a daily basis by telemarketing calls and unsolicited text messages. In October, Apple agreed to assist in tapping into some new iOS features to create a "Do Not Disturb" app that would allow users to report unsolicited calls and texts as spam. However, Apple has concerns that allowing the app access to a user's call and text log could compromise privacy.
According to Reuters, it was told by Apple last week that the app "as envisioned violates the privacy policy of the App Store. Apple said it had been working with government engineers and would “continue discussing ways they can design their app to keep users’ personal data safe."
An Android version of the app has existed since 2016. Users have to grant the app permission to access contacts and view text messages upon first use.
R.S. Sharma, head of the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India, plans to take legal action if necessary to push Apple forward.
"We will take appropriate legal action," he told Reuters. "This is unjust, it shows the approach and attitude of this company."