The dispute between India's Telecom Regulatory Authority and Apple could lead to a ban on iPhones in the country.
India is one of the few countries where spam calls and messages have been bothering phone users for a long time. TRAI, India's telecom regulator, has stepped in and developed an anti-spam app called Do Not Disturb (DND), which will stop spam calls and messages.
The app requires access to call logs and messages to block all advertising and spam. The data will be sent to TRAI, which will monitor and ensure that users are not bothered by such calls and messages.
Google allowed the app to be downloaded from the Google Play Store, but Apple refused to host the app on its App Store, as the app requires access to call and message logs.
After years of controversy, the issue has now taken a serious turn. TRAI has updated its regulations, according to which “the access provider shall ensure that within six months all smart phone devices registered on its network support the required permissions for running such applications as specified in regulations 6(2) and regulations 23(2)(d).”
If a service provider does not comply with the regulations, then the government is obligated to delete the devices.
Currently, Apple has not made any official statement on the matter and it is unclear what can be done to break this deadlock. However, with Apple noting a fairly low level of iPhone sales in India, it would be wise if the Cupertino-based company agrees to make an exception to the rules in this case for its own benefit.
