Reason behind India's mandate for smartphone makers to include government app

India has withdrawn its directive requiring smartphone manufacturers to pre-install a government-backed cybersecurity application on all new devices after strong opposition over privacy concerns. The Department of Telecommunications had issued a notification on November 28 instructing major phone makers, including Apple and Samsung, to integrate the Sanchar Saathi app within 90 days.

The government, under the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), had justified the move as a measure to prevent mobile fraud and misuse. However, the order faced immediate criticism from both technology companies and digital rights advocates. Apple reportedly refused compliance, citing privacy and security issues.

The directive stated that Sanchar Saathi should be "pre-installed on all mobile handsets manufactured or imported for use in India," visible and accessible from first use, and not restricted in functionality. Existing devices were to receive the app through software updates, and companies were required to submit compliance reports within 120 days.

Indias Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation reported in May that over 85% of Indian households own smartphones. Critics described the app as intrusive and warned it infringed on citizens right to private communication.

The government explained that the app was authorized under Telecom Cyber Security Rules to report activities that threaten telecom security and to allow verification of International Mobile Equipment Identity (IMEI) numbers, unique identifiers for mobile devices.

Manufacturers reacted cautiously. Apple reportedly planned to explain to authorities that it does not follow similar mandates elsewhere, while Samsung was reviewing the order without disclosing its response. Digital rights group Internet Freedom Foundation called the mandate a concerning expansion of state control over personal devices, arguing that the measure was disproportionate and harmful to user privacy.

Political figures and advocacy organizations echoed these concerns, labeling Sanchar Saathi a snooping tool and warning of a potential slippery slope toward increased surveillance. Similar debates had emerged in 2020 when India required public and private employees to use the Aarogya Setu contact tracing app.

On December 3, 2025, Indias Communications Ministry announced the government would not enforce mandatory pre-installation of the app, emphasizing its security purpose to protect citizens online. The Internet Freedom Foundation welcomed the reversal but noted it awaited the full legal order detailing the revocation.

Globally, similar measures have been attempted. Russia recently launched a government-backed app, Max, pre-installed on all new phones to combat fraud and expand access to state services, although critics argue it could be used for surveillance. Moscow defended the app as a measure to secure the digital environment.

Author: Gavin Porter