IT ministry takes up communications device safety issue; mobile phone players say routine consultation

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• IT ministry now leads talks on mobile device safety standards under ITSAR norms
• No mandate issued; discussions with industry are routine and transparent
• Government denies claims of forcing smartphone makers to share source code

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The IT and electronics ministry has taken over discussions on safety standards in mobile phones and other communication devices from the telecom department to meet requirement under a telecom security assurance norm, official sources said.

According to mobile phone manufacturing players, the move is just a routine consultation between the government and the industry.

Sources said that the IT ministry is holding discussions with stakeholders under the Indian Telecom Security Assurance Requirements (ITSAR), which was framed by the National Centre for Communication Security (NCCS) under the Department of Telecommunications (DoT).

ITSAR broadly covers safety standards for telecom network gear, including those related to software updates and the source code of communication devices.

Earlier, the DoT used to hold consultations with mobile phone companies on safety standards, but now the communications device part has moved to the Meity (The ministry of Electronics and Information Technology).

"Based on the ITSAR standard, Meity has been authorised to handle safety issues related to mobile phones, and there is a smooth conversation going on with industry players. The process has just started, and there is no mandate that the government has issued or is pressing for," one of the sources told PTI.

Meity has already held a few discussions with mobile phone and other industry players on safety standards.

India Cellular and Electronics Association (ICEA), which represents companies like Apple, Vivo, Xiaomi, Dixon, etc., said that the discussion on safety standards has been going on for several years, and multiple discussions on this issue have happened.

A news report by @Reuters claims that India proposes forcing smartphone manufacturers to share their source code as part of a security overhaul.

🔍 #PIBFactCheck ❌ This claim is #FAKE ▶️ The Government of India has NOT proposed any measure to force smartphone manufacturers to… pic.twitter.com/0bnw0KQL9Q — PIB Fact Check (@PIBFactCheck) January 11, 2026

"It is completely normal for the government to engage industry in such discussions - ask technical and compliance questions, and for the industry to respond with international practices and what might be possible or not.

"This is a routine process of an open, transparent consultation. We are satisfied with the way the discussions are proceeding. There is no pressing concern as this is the very nature of transparent and in-depth consultation with specific stakeholders," ICEA Chairman Pankaj Mohindroo said.