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Smartphone Source Code Talks Routine, No New Security Alarm: ICEA

India's smartphone manufacturing industry has sought to downplay concerns around a reported government proposal requiring smartphone makers to share source code. The India Cellular and Electronics Association (ICEA) stated the issue is part of a long-running consultation process and does not represent a sudden policy shift. ICEA Chairman Pankaj Mohindroo clarified there is no new development warranting alarm, describing the engagement as routine and transparent. He expressed confidence that a consensus would be reached, with the industry satisfied with the progress of discussions.

Key Points: Smartphone Source Code Sharing Talks Routine, Says Industry Body

  • Industry downplays source code sharing concerns
  • Issue part of long-running consultation
  • No new or immediate regulatory change
  • Government proposing 83 security standards
  • Confidence in reaching a consensus
2 min read

Source code talks routine, no new concern in smartphone security discussions: ICEA

ICEA clarifies government's source code sharing proposal is part of long-running consultations, not a new regulatory change causing security alarm.

"This is not a new issue. It's a discussion that's been ongoing for several years. - Pankaj Mohindroo"

New Delhi, Jan 11

India's smartphone manufacturing industry on Sunday sought to play down concerns around a reported government proposal on source code sharing, saying the issue is part of a long-running consultation process and does not represent any new or immediate regulatory change.

Reacting to a report that said the Centre is considering requiring smartphone makers to share source code and comply with a set of new security standards, the India Cellular and Electronics Association (ICEA) said discussions between the government and the industry have been going on for several years and should not be seen as a sudden policy shift.

ICEA Chairman Pankaj Mohindroo said there is no new development that warrants alarm.

He explained that it is normal for governments to engage with industry stakeholders on technical and compliance-related issues and for companies to respond by sharing global best practices and practical limitations.

"We want to clarify two things. First, this is not a new issue. It's a discussion that's been ongoing for several years," Mohindroo said.

"Multiple discussions on this issue have occurred. There is no new development which warrants special attention," he stated.

He described the current engagement as a routine, transparent and detailed consultation process and said the industry is satisfied with the way discussions are progressing.

Mohindroo added that there is no pressing concern at this stage and expressed confidence that a consensus will be reached on the best way forward.

"It is completely normal for the government to engage industry in such discussions -- ask technical and compliance questions and for the industry to respond with international practises and what might be possible or not," he mentioned.

The report said the government is proposing a set of 83 security standards under the Indian Telecom Security Assurance Requirements, which could include access to smartphone source code, mandatory malware scanning and prior intimation of major software updates to authorities.

"This is a routine process of open transparent consultation. We are satisfied with the way the discussions are proceeding. There is no pressing concern as this is the very nature of transparent and in-depth consultation with specific stakeholders," he mentioned.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
Good to hear it's not a sudden move. But we must be careful. Asking for source code could scare away foreign investment and innovation. Hope the final policy balances security with keeping India an attractive market. 🤔
V
Vikram M
Security is paramount, especially with so much digital payment and Aadhaar-linked data on our phones. If this consultation leads to stronger standards without hurting prices, it's a win for the common user. Jai Hind!
S
Sarah B
As someone working in tech, sharing source code is a massive ask. It's the crown jewel for any software company. I'm glad ICEA is pushing back gently by calling it a "consultation." Hope the government listens to practical limitations.
R
Rohit P
Transparency is good, but the process must be transparent for us citizens too. What are these 83 standards? Will it delay software updates for my phone? A little more clarity in the public domain would be appreciated.
K
Karthik V
This is the right approach. Slow, steady consultation. We can't have knee-jerk rules that kill the 'Make in India' momentum. Let experts talk and find a middle path. The industry body sounds confident, so I'm not worried. 👍

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