Apple Faces Backlash in India Over Alleged Hacking Alerts to Critics

Apple is currently navigating a storm of controversy in India as authorities express discontent over the company's handling of hacking alerts. The situation arose when Apple sent warnings to several journalists and opposition leaders, suggesting that their phones may have been hacked by state-sponsored actors. Here's a closer look at the unfolding events and the challenges Apple is facing in India.

The Washington Post, citing sources familiar with the matter, reported that Indian government officials were displeased with Apple's alerts and urged the company to find ways to mitigate the political fallout. Allegedly, an Apple security expert was even asked to propose alternative explanations for the alerts that would not implicate the government.

Recipients of Apple's warnings were critics of the ruling party, including journalist Anand Mangnale, who was investigating billionaire industrialist Gautam Adani. Amnesty International confirmed Mangnale's phone was infected with Pegasus spyware, a sophisticated hacking tool developed by the Israeli firm NSO Group and typically sold exclusively to governments and law enforcement agencies.

While Apple did not explicitly accuse the Indian government of orchestrating the hacking attempts, the evidence strongly suggests its involvement. The Post highlighted that Prime Minister Narendra Modi's party has neither confirmed nor denied using Pegasus for surveillance, though this is not the first time the spyware has targeted the government's critics.

Apple, known for its firm stance on privacy and security, is now under scrutiny for its response to this incident. The company has encountered challenges in various markets, including China, where it has complied with local laws that may compromise user privacy. Apple has also engaged in legal disputes with the US government, particularly regarding its refusal to unlock iPhones in criminal cases.

As the controversy unfolds, Apple finds itself at the intersection of privacy concerns, political sensitivities, and the ongoing debate over the role of technology in surveillance and security. The outcome of this situation may have significant implications for Apple's standing in India and its global reputation as a guardian of user privacy.