STORY: Apple doesn't plan to preload its smartphones with a state-owned cyber safety app in India.
That's according to three sources close to the matter.
They said the U.S. tech giant will tell New Delhi about their concerns over the government mandate.
The Indian government has confidentially ordered companies including Apple, Samsung and Xiaomi to preload their phones with an app.
It's called Sanchar Saathi, or Communication Partner, and authorities want it loaded within 90 days.
The app aims to track stolen phones, block them and prevent them from being misused.
The government also wants manufacturers to make sure the app isn't disabled.
India's telecom ministry confirmed the move later and called it a security measure to stop "serious endangerment" of cyber security.
But Prime Minister Narendra Modi's political opponents and privacy advocates oppose the move.
They believe it's a way for the government to gain access to India's 730 million smartphones and they argue the app could be used as a snooping tool.
India's communications minister Jyotiraditya Scindia said Tuesday - in response to the criticism - the app was a "voluntary and democratic system."
He added users can choose to activate it and can "easily delete it from their phone at any time."
Sources said Apple will tell the government it doesn't follow such mandates anywhere in the world.
That's due to a number of privacy and security issues for the company's iOS ecosystem.
Apple and India's telecom ministry didn't respond to requests for comment.
