India to Review Every Major System Update Released by Phone Manufacturers

According to Reuters, the Indian government is developing new security rules that require phone manufacturers to test all major operating system updates before releasing them and to allow pre-installed apps to be uninstalled. Regulatory authorities reportedly called for a closed-door meeting with companies such as Apple, Xiaomi, and Samsung.

India introduced these rules for national security and to prevent misuse of user data. The Bureau of Indian Standards will authorize laboratories to review the compliance of new smartphones, and phone manufacturers must provide uninstall buttons for their applications. Manufacturers will be given one year to comply with the regulations once they are in effect. Phone makers are concerned that the additional testing process may prolong the approval time for new smartphones.