India is pushing smartphone manufacturers to install a state-owned cybersecurity app on new devices that cannot be deleted, sparking concerns over user privacy. The Telecoms Ministry has issued an order to major phone makers like Apple, Samsung, Vivo, Oppo and Xiaomi, requiring them to preload the Sanchar Saathi app on their latest smartphones.
Under the 90-day deadline, manufacturers have been asked to ensure the app is pre-installed on new mobile phones, with a provision that users cannot disable it. For devices already in the supply chain, companies are expected to push the app through software updates.
Critics argue that this move effectively removes user consent as a meaningful choice. "It's a cause for concern," said Mishi Choudhary, who specializes in internet advocacy issues. "The government is trying to circumvent the issue of user consent."
India has already seen success with the Sanchar Saathi app, which has helped recover over 700,000 lost phones since its launch. The app uses a central registry to track and block stolen or lost smartphones, as well as disconnect fraudulent mobile connections.
However, concerns have been raised about this type of government intervention in the tech industry. Apple's iOS-powered devices dominate India's smartphone market, but unlike other manufacturers, the company does not pre-install its own apps on phones before sale. Instead, it relies on internal policies to promote its apps. The issue has sparked speculation that Apple will push back against this new requirement.
As the world grapples with an increasing number of cyber threats and hacking incidents, India is taking steps to combat them. But critics worry about the impact on user freedom and consent. With more than 1.2 billion smartphone subscribers in India, the government's move has significant implications for the tech industry and consumers alike.
Under the 90-day deadline, manufacturers have been asked to ensure the app is pre-installed on new mobile phones, with a provision that users cannot disable it. For devices already in the supply chain, companies are expected to push the app through software updates.
Critics argue that this move effectively removes user consent as a meaningful choice. "It's a cause for concern," said Mishi Choudhary, who specializes in internet advocacy issues. "The government is trying to circumvent the issue of user consent."
India has already seen success with the Sanchar Saathi app, which has helped recover over 700,000 lost phones since its launch. The app uses a central registry to track and block stolen or lost smartphones, as well as disconnect fraudulent mobile connections.
However, concerns have been raised about this type of government intervention in the tech industry. Apple's iOS-powered devices dominate India's smartphone market, but unlike other manufacturers, the company does not pre-install its own apps on phones before sale. Instead, it relies on internal policies to promote its apps. The issue has sparked speculation that Apple will push back against this new requirement.
As the world grapples with an increasing number of cyber threats and hacking incidents, India is taking steps to combat them. But critics worry about the impact on user freedom and consent. With more than 1.2 billion smartphone subscribers in India, the government's move has significant implications for the tech industry and consumers alike.
! They're basically forcing phone makers to install a spy app on new devices without asking users if they want it 
. I mean, what's next? Pre-installing browser history apps or something?! 
It's like they think we can't make our own decisions about our phones anymore... and that's just not cool 
. And I know the app is meant to help track down lost phones, but come on! Do we really need the government breathing down our necks like this? 
Can't they just let us figure things out ourselves? 
. I mean, what's next? Forcing apps we don't even use on our devices? 
. But can't we find a balance between security and user freedom? 
I'm literally living in the future now lol what's next? 
they're already making us use apps on our phones that can't be deleted... it sounds like something out of a dystopian movie 
my parents would freak out if they knew their phones were being monitored like this... and why do they need an app to track down lost phones anyway? 
I get where they're trying to come from - cyber threats are serious and all that - but can't we find a better balance between security and user freedom? 
mandatory app thingy. Think about it, every time you buy a new phone, someone tells you what apps are already on there. Who cares? You already know they're gonna be all those usual suspects like Facebook and Instagram, right? It's not like the government is trying to control your life or anything 
. The Sanchar Saathi app sounds legit too - who doesn't want their phone recovered if it gets stolen? It's a win-win! But seriously, some people are hating on this for no reason... what's wrong with a little extra security? 
. It feels like the government is trying to control what we do online without giving us much of a say. And with Apple being the only one who doesn't pre-install their own apps, I'm expecting some pushback from them 
and how this could impact their freedom to make choices online. It's like they're saying "we know what's best for you" without really listening 
. And what's the guarantee that this app won't be used to track people's activity or something? 
.
, but I'm keeping an eye on it 
.
?
And what about all those people who already have their phones and don't want to deal with this new bloatware? It's like, they're basically telling us we can't opt out... 
. What's next? 
. Users need to speak up and defend their right to choose what's on their phones 
. It's not about being paranoid or tech-savvy; it's about having control over our own devices 
, think its going to lead to a whole lot of issues for indian users... dont know about sanchar saathi app, heard good things about it tho 
? like what if ppl actually want to delete it? and whats up with apple not pre-installing their own apps? isnt that how its supposed to work?