India reverses decision to preinstall government app on smartphones

The Indian government has withdrawn its directive that would have required smartphone manufacturers to preinstall a government cybersecurity application, following significant public and industry pushback.

The app, named Sanchar Saathi, was designed to help prevent cybercrime. However, critics expressed concerns that the app could infringe on user privacy or facilitate state surveillance.

Reports indicate that Apple declined to follow the governments instruction. Technology experts have warned that the rule would have effectively increased continuous government monitoring of citizens online activities.

Some analysts also noted that the policy would have placed India alongside nations with strict control over digital platforms, such as Russia, which earlier mandated the preinstallation of a state messaging app on smartphones.

Author: Natalie Monroe