India Considers Plan to Replace Old SIMs Over China Chip Fears

A Recent Investigation Found Samples of Chipsets of Chinese Origin in Some of the Cards That Store Subscriber Info

- Jatin Grover

NEW DELHI: India is considering a proposal to replace older mobile phone SIMs after an investigation by the nation's top cybersecurity agency found samples of chipsets of Chinese origin in some of the cards that store subscriber identity information, said two officials in the know.

The ongoing probe by the National Cyber Security Coordinator (NCSC) and the home ministry has raised national security concerns, the officials said on the condition of anonymity. The first step could be replacing the older SIM (subscriber identity module) cards in mobile phones, they said, adding that the feasibility of such an exercise is being evaluated given the techno-legal challenges.