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Apple Refuses to Pre-Load State-Run MyGov App in India, Sparking a Political Storm

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  Published in Politics and Government on Tuesday, December 2nd 2025 at 2:44 GMT by Channel NewsAsia Singapore

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Apple Refuses to Pre‑Load State‑Run App in India – A Political Storm Builds

India’s push for a fully digital economy has reached a tipping point after the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) issued a directive that all smartphone vendors must pre‑install a government‑run app on devices sold in the country. Apple’s unequivocal refusal to comply has sparked a furor that now involves lawmakers, civil‑society groups and the media.

The Government’s Order and the Target App

On 18 May, MeitY announced that every mobile phone manufactured in India, and every phone sold in India, must ship with the state‑run “MyGov” application pre‑installed. The app is part of the National Digital Health Mission (NDHM) and is designed to streamline public‑health data collection, vaccine tracking and contact‑tracing during pandemics. The directive, which was issued under the new “Digital India 2025” framework, also required vendors to ensure that the app could automatically update without the user’s explicit consent.

The policy was framed as a “public‑health necessity” and a “step toward data sovereignty.” Government officials argued that pre‑installing the app would guarantee a higher penetration rate, thereby accelerating India’s COVID‑19 response and other health initiatives.

Apple’s Stance: Privacy First

Apple immediately issued a statement that it could not meet the directive. The company cited its long‑standing privacy framework, which mandates that users grant explicit permission before any application receives access to personal data or can auto‑update. “We believe that privacy is a human right. This is not a matter of choice but a fundamental right that cannot be waived,” the statement read.

Apple also pointed to its existing relationship with the Indian government, including a previous dispute over the Aarogya Setu app. In 2020, Apple removed Aarogya Setu from the App Store after a Supreme Court ruling that the app’s data‑collection practices were too broad. While Apple later complied with a court‑ordered “opt‑in” version, the company remained wary of mandatory pre‑installation.

The company’s spokesperson said that it was open to a “structured discussion” with MeitY to find a compromise, but the government’s insistence on a blanket pre‑install policy left no room for negotiation.

Political Fallout

The directive, and Apple’s refusal, have ignited an unprecedented political backlash. Opposition leaders across the spectrum have seized the moment to criticize the government for imposing a “colonial‑style” data‑control regime.

“The government is now forcing its will on a private company that is a global icon for privacy,” said Rahul Gandhi, leader of the Indian National Congress. He called for a boycott of Apple products until the company is forced to comply with the order.

In the Rajya Sabha, the upper house of Parliament, several members demanded that the government revisit the directive under the principle of “consent‑based data sharing.” The debate highlighted a broader national debate: balancing public health needs with individual privacy rights.

The issue has also stirred public opinion. Social‑media campaigns, such as #ApplePrivacy, have amassed millions of views, while some citizen‑tech groups have petitioned the Ministry to amend the policy to include a “grace period” for vendors to transition to a user‑consent model.

Legal Context and Precedents

Apple’s refusal is not without precedent. Earlier this year, the Supreme Court of India had ruled that Aarogya Setu could not be mandatory without an opt‑in mechanism. The Court also issued a “mandatory compliance” order on the app, but the subsequent government edict left the door open for pre‑installation. The court’s judgment emphasized the need for a “balanced approach” that safeguards personal data while serving public interests.

The Ministry’s order, meanwhile, is supported by a parliamentary committee on digital infrastructure, which has released a white paper arguing that pre‑installation is essential to ensure “rapid data collection” and “minimal user friction.” The white paper cites statistics that users in India are less likely to download health apps if they are not pre‑installed, citing a 20‑percent higher download rate for pre‑loaded apps.

Apple’s legal team has pointed to the lack of statutory authority in the current law for such an order. “The Directive was issued without any statutory basis. As such, it is legally untenable,” the legal counsel stated.

Impact on Apple and the Market

Apple’s refusal has tangible implications for the company’s Indian operations. The smartphone market is the largest in the world, with 800 million users, and the Indian government controls a significant share of the market through state‑owned telecom operators and public‑sector companies. A ban on Apple devices could cripple the company’s sales and its ecosystem services, such as iCloud, Apple Pay and the App Store, in a country that accounts for roughly 20 % of its global revenue.

Samsung and other local manufacturers, however, have already complied with the order. The move could widen the competitive gap in India, favoring domestic and Chinese smartphone brands that are more amenable to government mandates.

Apple’s market share has already dipped in the last quarter, and the Indian consumer segment is increasingly receptive to Android‑based devices that offer similar functionalities at a lower price point. If the government proceeds with a ban, Apple could lose the opportunity to grow its ecosystem in a key emerging market.

The Road Ahead

The dispute is still unfolding. Apple has called for a formal dialogue with MeitY, but the Ministry has signaled that it will not alter its position. The Supreme Court is scheduled to hear a petition from Apple’s legal team next month, and a verdict could set a precedent for future government‑vendor interactions.

Meanwhile, civil‑society groups are mobilizing to demand greater transparency in how the MyGov app will store and use data. The Indian government has pledged to publish a data‑protection policy for the app, but critics argue that this is a superficial move that will not protect user privacy.

If the government persists with its current directive, it risks alienating a global icon and may face a sustained boycott in a market that is already turning to alternative brands. On the other hand, a compromise that incorporates user consent mechanisms could preserve Apple’s privacy reputation while meeting the government’s public‑health objectives.

As the debate intensifies, India’s digital future hangs in the balance: will it become a model of “digital sovereignty” at the expense of individual privacy, or will it evolve into a balanced ecosystem where privacy and public interest coexist? The coming months will determine the answer.