Add Techlomedia as a preferred source on Google. 
Over the past few days, reports started circulating online claiming that India is planning a major security overhaul that could force smartphone makers to share their source code with the government. The reports suggested that companies like Apple, Samsung, Google, and Xiaomi may be asked to provide access to their operating system code as part of new mobile security rules.
The initial reports said the proposal was part of a wider plan to strengthen smartphone security in India. According to these reports, the government was working on dozens of new security standards. These included checks on software, malware scanning, logging requirements, and even advance notice before major software updates. The source code requirement quickly became the most talked about part, mainly because it raised serious concerns around privacy, intellectual property, and user security.
It is important to understand how such reports usually surface. Large policy changes often begin as internal discussions, draft documents, or consultation papers. These early drafts are shared with industry bodies to collect feedback. When parts of these drafts reach the media, they are sometimes presented as firm proposals, even though nothing has been finalised. This creates strong headlines and fast reactions, especially when global tech companies are involved.
Soon after the reports gained attention, the Indian government responded. The Press Information Bureau publicly called the claims about forcing smartphone makers to share source code fake. According to the government, there is no rule or proposal that demands companies hand over their source code. Officials clarified that discussions around mobile security are still at the consultation stage and that no final decisions have been taken.
The government also said that engaging with the industry is a normal process. Any new security framework would be shaped only after detailed talks with stakeholders. This clarification changed the tone of the conversation, but by then, the original reports had already spread widely.
This is a common problem in policy reporting. Governments often explore multiple ideas internally, some of which never make it into final rules. At the same time, early reporting based on draft discussions can easily be misunderstood as confirmed policy. In this case, a possible idea discussed during consultations appears to have been interpreted as an official plan.
There is also a larger context here. India has one of the largest smartphone user bases in the world, and digital fraud and cybercrime are growing concerns. It is natural for the government to look at stronger security standards. However, forcing companies to share source code would be an extreme step and is not something that has been officially proposed so far. And I also believe this could never reach to final policy.
For now, there is no confirmed plan to force smartphone makers to give their source code to the Indian government. What exists is an ongoing discussion around mobile security.
Follow Techlomedia on Google News to stay updated. 
Affiliate Disclosure:
This article may contain affiliate links. We may earn a commission on purchases made through these links at no extra cost to you.
