India’s telecom ministry has directed smartphone manufacturers to preload all new devices with the government’s Sanchar Saathi cyber safety app, sparking concerns among global tech giants and privacy advocates.
Update: India’s Minister for Telecommunications Jyotiraditya Scindia has clarified that the app can be deleted. If users do not want to activate it, so be it, he told the media.
Key Details
- Mandatory Preload: Apple, Samsung, Vivo, Oppo, and Xiaomi must ensure the app is installed on all new phones within 90 days.
- Non-removable: Users will not be able to delete or disable the app.
- Software Push: Devices already in the supply chain must receive the app via updates.
- Global Context: India joins countries like Russia, which recently mandated pre-installation of a state-backed messenger app.
Government’s Rationale on Sanchar Saathi Cyber Safety App
- The app, claims the government, combats cybercrime, phone theft, and fraud by blocking duplicate or spoofed IMEI numbers.
- Since its launch in January, Sanchar Saathi has:
- Helped recover 700,000 lost phones (50,000 in October alone).
- Blocked 3.7 million stolen or lost devices.
- Terminated 30 million fraudulent mobile connections.
Industry Reaction
- Privacy Concerns: Experts argue the move undermines user consent.
- Apple Resistance: Apple’s policies prohibit pre-installation of third-party or government apps. Analysts suggest the company may negotiate for a softer approach, such as nudging users to install voluntarily.
- Market Impact: Apple holds just 4.5% of India’s 735 million smartphones, while Android dominates the rest.
Outlook
The directive underscores India’s push to strengthen cyber security in one of the world’s largest telecom markets, but it sets the stage for potential clashes with global tech firms over privacy, user choice, and regulatory compliance.
Image credit: Sanchar Saathi
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