State-sponsored iPhone hacks? BJP says accusations against Modi govt baseless

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has strongly refuted allegations linking the government to the sensational claims of “state-sponsored attackers trying to remotely compromise” several iPhones, including those of opposition leaders. Former Union IT Minister and BJP leader Ravi Shankar Prasad labeled these allegations as “baseless and false,” putting the onus on Apple for clarifications.

Ravi Shankar Prasad Challenges Opposition’s Accusations

In a striking development, Prasad, addressing reporters, urged the opposition leaders to approach Apple directly and file FIRs instead of casting aspersions on the government. He shared his insights based on experience, stating that typically, telecommunication companies would first consult CERT-In, an emergency response team, to address such cybersecurity concerns.

Opposition’s Stand and BJP’s Counter

Prasad’s remarks came as a response to multiple opposition leaders, including Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Priyanka Chaturvedi, Trinamool Congress’ Mahua Moitra, and others from the Aam Aadmi Party and Congress, reporting that they had received alerts from Apple regarding potential “state-sponsored attacks.” These leaders, displaying the alerts on their X handles, have fueled a heated political debate. However, Prasad recalled the previous controversy over Pegasus malware and noted that Congress leader Rahul Gandhi had declined to submit his iPhone for investigation to a Supreme Court-appointed committee, hinting at a pattern of reluctance to pursue formal investigation channels.

Spiraling Controversy and Political Accusations

This latest chapter in India’s cybersecurity saga raises crucial questions about data safety, governmental surveillance, and the integrity of personal devices in an increasingly digital political landscape. As opposition leaders and BJP representatives continue to lock horns, the truth behind these iPhone hacking alerts remains shrouded in mystery, with Apple’s potential response eagerly awaited by all parties involved.