Apple warns Indian opposition MPs about 'state sponsored' iPhone hackers

'Likely targeting you individually because of who you are or what you do'

Apple has warned prominent Indian opposition politicians, journalists and activists that their iPhones may have been targeted by "state-sponsored" hackers.

As reported by the Times of India, the warning says: "Apple believes you are being targeted by state-sponsored attakers who are tyring to remotely compromise the IP assocuiated with your Apple ID. These attackers are likely targeting you individually because of who you are or what you do."

The warning, which comes ahead of elections in some Indian states and the general election next year, has revived allegations that the Indian government is using surveillance against political opponents.

Those who received messages from Apple include MPs from opposition parties including Trinamool Congress, Indian National Congress and Aam Aadmi. Journalists from outlets critical of the BJP government also received notices, according The Washington Post.

In 2021, hundreds of Indian phone numbers were found on a leaked list of potential targets for Israeli software firm NSO's Pegasus spyware. The Indian government has never confirmed or denied using Pegasus.

Opposition MPs have accused the Modi government of spying. The government rejected the claims and promised to investigate.

A BJP spokespeson described the allegations as "baseless and false."

Apple said the warnings have been sent globally and that it does not attribute them to any specific state actor. The company has not confirmed sending notices to Indian users specifically.

The warnings from Apple come as it looks to expand its business in India.

Last month the US Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) ordered US federal government agencies to upgrade iPhone and iPad operating systems to fix vulnerabilities that allowed zero-click installation of Pegasus spyware.