India to screen smartphone updates, remove preinstalled apps, Reuters reports

India is planning to force smartphone makers to allow the removal of preinstalled apps while also mandating the screening of major operating system updates, Munsif Vengattil and Aditya Kalra of Reuters reports, citing two people and a government document. The new rules could extend launch times in India and lead to business losses from pre-installed apps for players including Samsung (SSNLF), Xiaomi (XIACF), Vivo, and Apple (AAPL). These rules are being considered by India’s IT ministry amid concerns about spying and abuse of user data, said a government official, according to one of Reuters resources. Reference Link