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India Reverses Mandatory App Plan After Privacy Backlash
3 Dec, 2025
Summary
- India withdrew its plan to mandate pre-installation of a government app.
- Concerns over state access and weakened privacy protections fueled the reversal.
- The Sanchar Saathi app will now remain voluntary for smartphone makers.
India has stepped back from a controversial plan to require smartphone makers to pre-install a government application on all devices. The telecom ministry announced that the Sanchar Saathi app, designed for anti-theft and cybersecurity, will now be voluntary, reversing a directive issued just last week. This decision comes after widespread criticism regarding potential privacy infringements and expanded state surveillance capabilities.
The government stated that the app's increasing acceptance led to the decision to not make pre-installation mandatory. However, manufacturers are still awaiting official notification of this withdrawal. The Sanchar Saathi app, launched in January 2025, has reportedly seen significant download numbers and a surge in user interest following the recent controversy.
Digital rights groups have cautiously welcomed the reversal, emphasizing the need for official documentation and revised legal orders before full confidence can be placed in the decision. This move highlights ongoing tensions between technological advancement, national security interests, and individual privacy rights within India.
