One of the most iconic smartphones to have ever been manufactured might soon be banned from India as Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) has threatened to withdraw iPhone’s license from the country. Apple has been at loggerheads with TRAI over the latter’s insistence to install a call-blocking app.
The Do-Not-Disturb (DND) app is developed by TRAI which ‘enables smart phone users to register their mobile number under DND to avoid Unsolicited Commercial Communication (UCC)/Telemarketing Calls/SMS’. It is available on Google PlayStore for Android devices but it is not yet available on Apple App Store. However, it has a 2.6 rating on PlayStore with over 1,600 1-star reviews with complaints of no action being taken against reported numbers and the number being blacklisted by bulk SMS providers such as banks.
DND App on Google PlayStore
According to the revised TRAI regulations, Access Providers need to provide access to apps that are required for installation on smartphones. As per its directive,
“Every Access Provider shall ensure, within six months’ time, that all smartphone devices registered on its network support the permissions required for the functioning of such Apps as prescribed in the regulations 6(2)(e) and regulations 23(2)(d).”
Apple has countered TRAI over installing the app by stating that their latest operating system iOS12 has already incorporated a feature by which devices can screen unwanted messages. Apple further claims that downloading the app and installing it on iPhones will compromise the privacy of its customers. TRAI, however, claims that customers should be given the choice whether to share their data with a third-party app or not.
According to ET, Apple is reportedly considering taking legal action and alleges that TRAI is exceeding its jurisdiction by forcing the implementation of the regulation and asking telecoms to stop supporting iPhone. Though India is the world’s third-largest smartphone market, iPhones account only for around 2.5% of all smartphones sold.
