An Indian company, JandK Operations Private Limited (JandKops), which was incubated at IIT Madras, has developed a new mobile operating system called “BharOS.” The system can be installed on existing public-accessible phones and is aimed at customers who handle confidential data and require encrypted conversations on restricted smartphone applications, as well as businesses with strict security and privacy regulations. BharOS offers access to exclusive cloud services through private 5G networks.

According to the director of IIT Madras, BharOS is a “Mobile Operating System built on a foundation of trust, with a focus on providing users more freedom, control, and flexibility to choose and use only the apps that fit their needs.” Unlike other operating systems, BharOS has no default apps (NDA) pre-installed, giving users more control over permissions and access to data. The company plans to collaborate with private businesses, government agencies, strategic agencies and telecom service providers to increase the use and adoption of BharOS in India.