India reverses decision to preinstall cybersecurity app on smartphones

NEW DELHI (AP) Indias Ministry of Communications has reversed its directive that mandated smartphone manufacturers to preinstall a government-operated cybersecurity application on new devices.

Earlier this week, the ministry instructed phone makers to include the Sanchar Saathi app on all new smartphones within 90 days and prevent users from uninstalling it. The order also called for the app to be distributed to existing devices through software updates.

The announcement sparked significant backlash, raising questions about privacy and user consent in one of the worlds largest mobile markets. It also conflicted with policies of companies like Apple, which does not allow third-party apps, including government apps, to be preloaded on its devices.

In a statement on Wednesday, the ministry highlighted that 600,000 new users had downloaded the app in the previous day. Despite this adoption, the government clarified that preinstallation on smartphones will no longer be compulsory.

The application is secure and designed solely to protect users from cyber threats. It does not serve any other purpose, and users are free to uninstall it at any time, the statement read.

Previously, Indias telecom minister, Jyotiraditya M. Scindia, had described the app as voluntary, responding to concerns from privacy advocates that mandatory installation could compromise user rights.

Launched in January, the Sanchar Saathi app allows users to block and track lost or stolen phones and detect fraudulent mobile connections. Since its release, it has been downloaded over 14 million times, according to official figures.

Author: Natalie Monroe