Union minister Rajeev Chandrasekhar addressed concerns surrounding iPhone hacking and called for clarity following a mysterious notification from Apple. In an exclusive interview with media, Chandrasekhar dismissed Opposition’s worries, attributing them to the election season.
Chandrasekhar highlighted the widespread nature of the notification, stating it had reached many individuals across various countries. He echoed the sentiments of his superior, Ashwini Vaishnaw, regarding the necessity of an investigation into the matter.
The central issue, Chandrasekhar emphasized, is Apple’s responsibility to explain the meaning of the notification, particularly in light of their claims regarding the security of their devices.
According to Chandrasekhar, the notification implies the involvement of state actors, and Apple should clarify who these actors are. However, he clarified that the government does not have a say in this process.
The message sent by Apple raised concerns, as it mentioned, “State-sponsored attackers may be targeting your iPhone.” It warned of the potential for compromised devices to enable remote access to sensitive data, communications, and even the camera and microphone.
Multiple opposition MPs, including Congress leaders Pawan Khera and Shashi Tharoor, AIMIM chief Asaduddin Owaisi, and AAP’s Raghav Chadha, shared screenshots of the messages/emails they received.
In response, Chandrasekhar posed three questions to Apple, seeking clarification and transparency.
Apple has claimed that it does not attribute notifications to specific state-sponsored attackers. The company’s statement suggested that identifying such attacks relies on imperfect and incomplete threat intelligence signals.
Union Minister for IT, Ashwini Vaishnaw, criticized Apple’s information as vague and non-specific. He affirmed the government’s commitment to protecting citizens’ privacy and security, announcing an investigation into the matter and inviting Apple to participate in the inquiry. The situation remains shrouded in mystery, demanding further scrutiny and clarification.