The problem with trying to sell a product or service in multiple countries is having to dance around the various regulations and laws of each market or country that the product is available in. This seems to be something that Apple is dealing with now over in India where there is a chance the iPhone could be banned in the Indian market.Basically India’s Telecom Regulatory Authority (TRAI) is asking Apple to allow an app called DND 2.0 onto the iOS App Store. This is an anti-spam app that blocks nuisance calls in India, such as prevent unwanted telemarketing texts or calls. However Apple seems to be reluctant to allow the app onto the App Store which Apple claims “violates the privacy policy”.
However like we said, wording in the regulation has suggested that devices that do not comply may be banned from the network. Spotted by India Today, it reads, “Every access provider shall ensure, within six months’ time, that all smart phone devices registered on its network support the permissions required for the functioning of such apps. Provided that where such devices do not permit functioning of such apps, Access Providers shall, on the order or direction of the Authority, derecognize such devices from their telecom networks.”
To be fair Apple has been working with government engineers to discuss ways to allow the app onto the App Store without violating the user’s privacy, but whether or not they’ll be able to come up with a solution before getting banned remains to be seen.