MeitY To Structure Regulatory Framework For Mobile Security

The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology said it is holding consultations with stakeholders to frame rules for mobile security, as smartphone use expands across services.

The ministry said mobile phones are widely used for payments, access to government services, and storage of personal data, which makes security a policy issue. It said weaknesses in mobile security can result in identity misuse, loss of money, data exposure, and access to user information such as banking details and credentials. The ministry also highlighted that similar risks exist for businesses, including data leaks and service disruption. The statement followed reports claiming the government was asking smartphone makers to share source code as part of security measures.

The ministry rejected these reports and said no such proposal has been made. It added that it is engaging with manufacturers and industry bodies to understand technical issues, compliance requirements, and global practices. The ministry said industry concerns will be reviewed and that consultations also cover safety compliance, interface standards, and security requirements.