India cancels requirement for installing tracking app on mobile phones

On Wednesday, the Indian government rescinded its directive requiring all new smartphones to come with a pre-installed tracking application, following public concerns over privacy. The application, known as Sanchar Saathi, was originally created to combat phone theft, smuggling, and call center fraud.

While the app aimed to enhance security, it also had extensive access to user data, including the ability to make and manage calls, send messages, view call and message histories, access photos and files, and use the devices camera.

Initially, the government had mandated that every new mobile device include the app. However, the order was withdrawn, with officials noting the growing number of users downloading the app voluntarily. So far, 14 million people have installed it, reporting approximately 2,000 fraud cases daily, and 600,000 new users registered just on Tuesday.

Communications Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia confirmed that users have the option to uninstall the app. He emphasized that the government intended the app to improve cybersecurity for all citizens, stating that it is safe, focused on protecting users from online threats, and removable at the users discretion.

The Internet Freedom Foundation described the reversal as positive but urged caution, highlighting the need to review the official legal order and any updated directives under the Cyber Security Rules, 2024. They advised that this development should be seen as a step forward, but not a final resolution until the formal legal text is published and verified.

Author: Chloe Ramirez