Imagine your smartphone being locked by your lender, all because you missed one EMI? No calls, no messages, no apps. Well....that could soon become a reality.
What the RBI Is Proposing
As per a reuters report, the Reserve Bank of India is proposing new rules that could allow lenders to remotely lock phones bought on EMIs if payments are missed. And you would lose access to your phone until you catch up on your EMI payments.
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The lock would remain until the overdue EMI is cleared.
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Lenders would need explicit consent from borrowers before activating such a feature.
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Lenders would not be allowed to access personal data stored on the phone.
Why This Move?
The RBI’s intent is to help lenders recover small-ticket loans while protecting borrower privacy. With the rise of consumer lending in India, the central bank is worried about increasing defaults.
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Over 30% of gadgets in India are bought on credit.
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Defaults are climbing, especially for loans under ₹1 lakh.
The Risks and Concerns
While this might sound like an efficient way to enforce repayments, critics say the move could backfire. Losing access to a smartphone doesn’t just mean missing out on social media, it can disconnect people from essential services like:
A single missed payment could end up costing borrowers their digital lifeline.
The Bigger Question
Should falling behind on an EMI mean losing access to your digital world? This is the debate RBI’s proposal is now sparking.
Final Word
As smartphone financing surges, this proposal could change the way millions of Indians buy and pay for their devices. But it also raises serious questions about the balance between financial discipline and digital dependency.
So, if you know someone eyeing the new iPhone or any high-end phone on EMI this is a story worth sharing.
