Apple Faces Political Backlash in India Amid Allegations of Government Hacking
In a startling turn of events, Apple finds itself entangled in a political storm in India after it warned independent journalists and opposition politicians about potential government-backed hacking attempts on their iPhones. The aftermath of this revelation has seen the Modi administration not only question Apple’s internal security measures but also launch an investigation into the overall security of Apple devices.
The Political Maneuvering
Following Apple’s warnings, Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) officials publicly raised doubts about the effectiveness of Apple’s threat algorithms. Simultaneously, behind closed doors, senior Modi administration officials reportedly pressured Apple to mitigate the political fallout of the warnings. An Apple security expert from abroad was even summoned to a meeting in New Delhi, where attempts were made to coerce alternative explanations for the alerts, according to sources who spoke on the condition of anonymity.
Targeting Government Critics
The individuals who received Apple’s warnings included more than 20 people who have been vocal critics of Prime Minister Narendra Modi or his close ally, Gautam Adani, an influential Indian tycoon. This move has sparked concerns among digital rights groups, industry workers, and journalists about the lengths to which the Modi administration is willing to go to deflect suspicions of engaging in hacking activities against perceived adversaries.
Journalists in the Crosshairs
Notably, investigative journalists Anand Mangnale and Ravi Nair from the Organized Crime and Corruption Reporting Project (OCCRP) were among those who received warnings. The OCCRP had reached out to Adani for comment on a story involving alleged financial impropriety. Subsequently, a forensic analysis conducted by Amnesty International revealed that Mangnale’s phone was infiltrated within 24 hours of the inquiry, with the notorious Pegasus spyware being planted.
Adani’s Response
A spokeswoman for Gautam Adani denied any involvement in hacking attempts and labeled the OCCRP’s investigation as a “smear campaign.” The Adani Group emphasized its commitment to integrity and ethical standards, dismissing any insinuations of wrongdoing.
Government Stance and Previous Incidents
The Modi government has neither confirmed nor denied the use of spyware, consistently avoiding cooperation with investigations. Previous reports by the Forbidden Stories journalism consortium, including The Washington Post and OCCRP, have highlighted instances of Pegasus infections among Indian journalists and political figures.
Persistent Spyware Abuse
Recent findings by The Post, in collaboration with Amnesty, reveal fresh cases of Pegasus infections among Indian journalists and opposition politicians. Amnesty also presented evidence suggesting a Pegasus customer’s preparation to hack individuals in India. The ongoing abuse of spyware in the country raises concerns about the lack of protection for journalists, activists, and politicians.
NSO Group’s Response
NSO Group, the Israeli company behind Pegasus, maintains that it cannot comment on specific customers but stresses that its technologies are licensed to law enforcement and intelligence agencies for counter-terrorism and crime-fighting purposes. The company asserts the existence of policies to prevent the targeting of journalists, lawyers, human rights defenders, or political dissidents not involved in serious crimes.
International Concerns and Calls for Transparency
Former UN special rapporteur on free expression, David Kaye, has emphasized the need for the Indian government to address the allegations transparently. The recent reporting by The Post and its partners adds weight to concerns about the broader assault on freedom of expression and the right to protest in India.
Conclusion
As Apple grapples with political pressure and accusations, the incident sheds light on the challenges faced by tech giants in navigating the complexities of global politics, especially in critical markets like India. The ongoing saga also underscores the broader implications for freedom of expression and privacy in the face of sophisticated surveillance tools.
