Apple avoids ban on iPhones in India; allows TRAI's app
What's the story
After almost two years of conflict with the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI), Apple has finally conceded. Giving in to TRAI's demand that its Do Not Disturb (DND) app be allowed on iPhones in India, Apple has added the app to its App Store. Earlier, iPhones in India had been facing a possible ban owing to the conflict. Here are the details.
Information
What TRAI's DND app is all about
As the name suggests, TRAI's DND app is a bid to combat the nuisance of telemarketing. The app allows users to flag unwanted calls and messages, and the app registers an automatic complaint with TRAI. Status of complaints, too, can be checked on the app.
Issue
The issue around which Apple's feud with TRAI revolved
TRAI had released its DND app for iOS and Android back in 2016, but Apple, going by its policy, refused to allow the app on its App Store up until now. For those unaware, Apple does not allow third-party apps to read messages and call logs on its devices. TRAI's app, however, required access to the same, thereby prompting Apple to not allow it.
Regulations
TRAI had approved stringent regulations, despite objections by many
Subsequently, in July, TRAI ratified new regulations that gave the regulator the power to force telecom service operators to "derecognize" certain devices that did not follow TRAI's regulations. Although many, including the Indian Cellular Association, Airtel, and Vodafone had objected to the new regulation, TRAI ratified it anyway, thereby threatening Apple with a ban on its iPhones in India.