Apple and TRAI at loggerheads over development of DND app
The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) and Apple have reached an impasse over the development of a government anti-spam mobile application called 'Do Not Disturb.' Earlier in October, Apple had agreed to help TRAI develop the app for its iOS platform. However, now the company seems to be delaying the process, concerned that the app might violate user privacy.
DND app violates privacy policy of App Store: Apple
The app allows users to report unsolicited telemarketing calls and messages as spam and hence requires permission to access their contacts and text messages at the time of signing up. According to Apple, the app "as envisioned violates the privacy policy" of its App Store. The company said it will "continue discussing ways government can design its app to keep users' personal data safe."
Users should decide which apps they want to use: TRAI
However, this change in stance after agreeing to help has irked TRAI chief RS Sharma, who believes users should be the one to decide if they want to provide access to third-party apps or not. Wanting to take a legal approach to push Apple, Sharma said, "This is unjust, it shows the approach and attitude of this company."
The DND app was launched on Android in 2016
The DND app was first launched on Android in 2016. Echoing Sharma's sentiments, Google said that it too believes in keeping user information secure but wants "openness and in the ability of users to make purchasing and downloading choices without top-down enforcement or censorship."
TRAI still waiting for basic clarifications on app from Apple
Initially, TRAI wanted to repackage the Android app for iOS, but heeded to Apple not wanting to allow any selective app to access user data. Thus an agreement was reached to build an app together that will be suited to both the entities. Now reports claim they haven't met since November and that TRAI is still waiting for "basic clarifications" on the app's features.
