App availability in India (IN)

[humanglitch191]

Hey there, can this app be made available in India? I referred to other threads about app legality with cryptography and I believe it’s not an issue for India.

I just got the test flight but I would prefer using from app store so that I don’t have to worry if testflight goes off or something.
Let me know if you need anything! Thanks!

[pixelspark]

Hi, as mentioned in the other thread - if you can help me out ascertaining that I can legally publish in India, I will evaluate and then gladly do so.

[humanglitch191]

@pixelspark Please find my response:

Hi,

Thanks for considering App Store distribution in India. I looked into this with multiple official sources (including AI assistance) and wanted to share the findings but I request you to evaluate them yourself and come to a decision.

From what I understand, Synctrain uses standard TLS (1.2/1.3) with device-ID authentication (cert fingerprint), and optional untrusted-device folder encryption from Syncthing. This means it uses cryptography but not bespoke implementations. There is no Indian law prohibiting distribution of such apps.

Key points:

• Encryption is legal in India – there is no prohibition on apps using cryptography.
• Section 69 of the IT Act, 2000 (amended 2008) allows law enforcement to mandate decryption in investigations, but this is not a ban on encryption.
  • Official Act: IT Act 2000 PDF
• Export controls – India classifies strong cryptography under SCOMET Category 8A502. A license may be required if the software is exported as a standalone encryption product, but this does not affect domestic App Store distribution.
  • DGFT: SCOMET Export Policy
• No general prohibition – Industry analysis confirms encryption is widely used and permitted.
  • DSCI: Encryption and the Digital Economy (2021)
• App bans were about traceability, not encryption – In 2023, apps like Element, Threema, and Briar were blocked due to traceability issues.
  • Report: Tuta Blog
  • Update: India Today – these apps have since resurfaced on Indian app stores, so the ban appears no longer enforced.

Summary:

• It is legal to distribute apps with cryptography in India.
• The main obligations are:
  1. Be aware of SCOMET export control rules.
  2. Recognize that the government can demand decryption under Section 69 of the IT Act.

From a compliance perspective, there is no barrier to listing Synctrain in the Apple App Store for the India region.

[mediocretwo]

Hey, if Mobius Sync is available with no issues in India, then you can also safely release the app in Indian App Store right? I too would like to have the app available in india!

[puneet2715]

Hi, just came accross this app, would love to see in the Apple App store for the India region , using it through testflight for now.

[ksharizard]

Hi, I am looking forward to see a release of the app on the app store. Syncthing (desktop, android) and mobius sync (ios) are available in India, so it should not be an issue to release this app as well.

[Shrikshel]

Hi @pixelspark! Big fan of what you’re building with Synctrain 🚀
Really excited and eagerly waiting for the app to be available in India 🙌

[ksharizard]

Checking the app store in India shows synctrain now