Apple faced intense pushback from the Indian government after issuing warnings that journalists and opposition figures may have been targeted by state-sponsored attacks. Despite the pressure, the tech giant remained committed to user security over potential risks to its expanding India business.
“Apple India officials initially helped cast doubt on the alerts,” the Washington Post reports.
The Indian government publicly questioned Apple’s findings, calling for a probe into device security. But behind closed doors, senior officials from Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s administration went even further, demanding that Apple soften the political impact of their warnings.
The pressure campaign was taken to a new level when senior officials summoned Apple representatives and insisted they provide alternative explanations for the attacks. They even flew in an Apple security expert to meet with ministry leaders, according to the report.
The report adds that while the pressure did cause some concern among Apple executives in California, it ultimately yielded limited results. Apple India officials initially helped spread doubt about the warnings, but after the security expert’s visit, the company did not issue any follow-up statement to appease authorities.
The incident shed light on the dangers faced by government critics in India and the lengths to which the Modi administration will go to deflect hacking accusations. Digital rights groups, industry workers, and Indian journalists have all spoken out about the issue.
Many of the over 20 individuals who received Apple’s warnings were publicly critical of Modi or his longtime ally, Gautam Adani, an Indian energy and infrastructure tycoon. Among them were a fiery politician from West Bengal, a Communist leader from Southern India, and a spokesperson for the nation’s largest opposition party based in New Delhi.
As Apple navigated through this situation, they remained dedicated to ensuring user security and not compromising on their principles for the sake of their growing India business. Although the company plans to move 25% of iPhone production to India by 2025, as predicted by JP Morgan analysts, this showdown revealed Modi’s willingness to put the pressure on major tech players.
