The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) has been asking Apple to approve their Do-Not-Disturb (DND 2.0) app onto the app store, however, according to Bloomberg, Apple has refused to do so. According to the website, TRAI’s DND app violates the privacy of Apple users and as we all know, Apple doesn't like sharing its user data with any third party apps.
As per the report, Apple’s refusal to allow TRAI’s DND app on the Apple store is being said to create problems for the company. Apple is currently in discussions with the government to secure permissions for selling used iPhones imported into the country. Apple has also put forth proposals regarding tax reliefs and other concessions for setting up manufacturing facilities in India.
“Nobody’s asking Apple to violate its privacy policy,” said R.S. Sharma, TRAI’s chairman “It is a ridiculous situation, no company can be allowed to be the guardian of a user’s data.” TRAI has been trying to address the issues of net neutrality, sometimes even by taking decisions that are against telcos and companies favour, however, Sharma, some time ago, erroneously said that Apple doesn’t allow its users to know their own data speeds and call logs. This was way off the mark as Apple users do have access to their data. As for the TRAI’s app, It lets users know of any possible spam calls and texts and users have an option of flagging such calls directly via the app. The app sends users call logs to network providers so that they deactivate the spam connections.
TRAI is currently seeking public and stakeholder comments on its consultative paper, “users’ control over their personal information and rules on the flow of data through telecommunications networks”. Sharma further said, “The process is set to be completed in September and could eventually lead to new rules governing user data. That could also become part of the telecom licensing process.