Apple Could Pay a Big Price For Refusing to Clear TRAI’s DND App

The regulatory body wants Apple to clear its DND app to improve its spammer registry.

Apple is desperate to enter the Indian market in a big way, but there are some complications which need to be tackled at the earliest.

Latest reports indicate that Apple has been rejecting a request from Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) to approve its Do Not Disturb (DND) app for the Apple app store.

This refusal could wreak havoc on Apple’s plans for the Indian market, which also includes setting up retail outlets and start local manufacturing of iPhone in the coming years.

The company has already laid down a steep set of demands to the Indian government, and its current stance isn’t likely to go down well with the authorities.

Also Read: Apple’s Demands on PM Modi to Make in India Are Steep

TRAI claims that the app can be used to hunt down spammers who bother consumers purely for marketing purpose and block them from contacting. However, for Apple, the app, which looks to share data with the regulator, violates its privacy policy.

Also Read: Delhi HC Order on WhatsApp Sharing User Data Is a Big Win for You

RS Sharma, the chief of TRAI doesn’t agree with the company.

Nobody’s asking Apple to violate its privacy policy. It is a ridiculous situation, no company can be allowed to be the guardian of a user’s data.

RS Sharma, Chairman, TRAI

Sharma adds that heavyweights like Apple, Google and Facebook have been hoarding user data for years, and continue to share them with their affiliated partners.

He further stated that even after multiple meetings with Apple, there’s no solution in sight, with both parties holding fort.

Apple’s insistence on being the guardian of user’s data has been well documented ever since the San Bernardino case, where the FBI tried to force Apple into unlocking an iPhone, but to no avail. 

Also Read: Apple’s Encryption Battle with US Government Still Not Over

While Apple’s policy allows it to share user data with affiliates and strategic partners, the Indian government’s Do Not Disturb app only requires a limited, pre-approved level of data sharing.

RS Sharma, Chairman, TRAI

Apple must keep in mind that TRAI is looking to change the course of how data sharing takes place in India.

This could change the dynamics of business within Google and Facebook, considering their entire model revolves around the user data collected via different mediums.

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