Opposition MPs Receive Apple iPhone “Threat” Alerts, Seek Investigation

In a startling revelation, several prominent opposition Members of Parliament, including Shashi Tharoor of the Congress, Priyanka Chaturvedi of the Shiv Sena (UBT), and AIMIM leader Asaduddin Owaisi, claimed to have received messages from Apple warning of “state-sponsored attackers trying to remotely compromise” their iPhones. Rahul Gandhi’s office was not spared, as three of his staff members also reported similar alerts. While Apple asserts that these notifications are triggered when their systems detect “activity consistent with a state-sponsored attack,” the manufacturer has yet to issue an official response. Opposition leaders, including Tharoor and Chaturvedi, have called for an investigation into the alleged hacking attempts, prompting reactions from ruling party members.

The situation took a political twist when Trinamool MP Mahua Moitra revealed that even more opposition figures, such as Akhilesh Yadav of the Samajwadi Party, Raghav Chadha of the Aam Aadmi Party, Sitaram Yechury of the CPM, and Pawan Khera of the Congress, had also received these alarming messages. In response to the alerts, Priyanka Chaturvedi cryptically wrote, “Wonder who? Shame on you…” while tagging Union Home Minister Amit Shah. Shashi Tharoor, in a jab at the government, stated he had “verified” the email and questioned the authorities’ priorities, saying, “Glad to keep underemployed officials busy at the expenses of taxpayers like me! Nothing more important to do?” The incident has escalated concerns over cybersecurity in Indian politics, with many opposition leaders demanding answers and government officials urging patience until Apple clarifies the situation.

Amit Malviya, the head of the BJP’s IT Cell, swiftly responded to the allegations, criticizing the “usual suspects” for raising concerns over a “state-sponsored” attack and portraying themselves as martyrs. He advised waiting for Apple to issue a clarification before concluding and questioned whether this controversy was merely an opportunity for outrage. The situation continues to unfold, with political tensions on the rise as both opposition and ruling party members engage in a war of words regarding the alleged state-sponsored hacking attempts on their Apple devices.

Pic Courtesy: google/ images are subject to copyright