India is considering sweeping new smartphone security rules that could force Apple, Samsung, Google and Xiaomi to hand over their source code to the government, triggering strong resistance from global tech giants.

According to documents and sources cited by Reuters, the proposal is part of a package of 83 new security standards being considered by the Modi (pictured below) government as it tries to curb online fraud and data breaches in the world’s second-largest smartphone market, with around 750 million devices in use.

At the centre of the controversy is a requirement that phone makers provide access to source code – the core software instructions that make devices work – so it can be analysed and tested in government-approved Indian labs.

Companies would also be required to notify authorities in advance of major software updates and security patches.

Industry executives argue the demands have no global precedent and risk exposing closely guarded intellectual property.

One industry group, the Manufacturers’ Association for Information Technology (MAIT), said in a confidential submission that the proposal is “not possible” due to secrecy and privacy concerns, noting that major markets including Europe, North America and Australia do not impose such rules.

The proposed standards would also require phones to support automatic malware scanning, store system logs for at least 12 months, allow users to uninstall pre-installed apps and block apps from using cameras or microphones in the background.

MAIT has warned that constant malware scanning would drain battery life, storing a year of logs could exceed device storage limits, and seeking government clearance for updates could delay critical security fixes.

India’s IT Secretary S. Krishnan (pictured) said the government was open to industry feedback and that it was “premature” to draw conclusions while consultations were ongoing. Tech companies including Apple, Samsung, Google and Xiaomi have declined to comment publicly.

India has a history of clashing with global tech firms over regulation.

Last year it withdrew a plan to mandate a government cyber safety app after surveillance concerns, but it has also pushed through strict testing rules for security cameras over espionage fears.

Market data from Counterpoint Research shows Xiaomi and Samsung together control more than a third of India’s smartphone market, while Apple holds about 5%.