Apple warned in late October that Indian journalists and opposition figures could be targeted by state-sponsored attacks, triggering a strong counterattack from Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s government. Officials publicly questioned Apple’s findings and announced an investigation into device security.
According to the Washington Post, senior officials in Modi’s administration went further in closed-door meetings, asking Apple to mitigate the political impact of the warnings. The report added that senior officials summoned Apple representatives and insisted they provide alternative explanations, even sending an Apple security expert to meet with ministry leaders.
The report added that the pressure campaign had unnerved Apple executives in California but had limited effect. While Apple India officials initially questioned the alerts — issuing a statement saying in part that some of the notifications may have been false alarms — the company did not issue any follow-up statements to reassure authorities after the experts visited.
The report adds:
Recent events also reflect the dangers faced by critics of the Indian government, and how long they last. Modi’s government will work to deflect suspicion of hacking attacks on perceived enemies, according to digital rights groups, industry workers and Indian journalists.
Many of the more than 20 people who received warnings from Apple in late October have gone public Be critical of Modi or his long-time ally Gautam Adani, the Indian energy and infrastructure tycoon. Among them were a firebrand politician from West Bengal, a communist leader from southern India and the spokesman for India’s national news agency in New Delhi. The largest opposition party.
For Apple, maintaining its commitment to user safety is more important than the risks to its growing India business. JP Morgan analysts said Apple opened two official stores in India this year and plans to transfer 25% of iPhone production to India in 2025. But the showdown showed Modi’s willingness to put pressure on big tech companies.
