India has issued a directive requiring major smartphone manufacturers to pre-load its state-owned cybersecurity app, Sanchar Saathi, on new mobile devices. The app, which cannot be deleted by users, aims to combat cybercrime and hacking in the country. Apple, Samsung, Vivo, Oppo, and Xiaomi are among the companies that have been asked to comply with this requirement.
The 90-day deadline for implementation has sparked concerns among privacy advocates, who argue that it effectively removes user consent as a meaningful choice. Mishi Choudhary, a technology lawyer, stated that this is "cause for concern" and raises questions about the balance between national security and individual freedoms.
India's move is not an isolated one; Russia has also implemented similar regulations for its own state-backed messenger app, Max. The Sanchar Saathi app has already shown promise in recovering lost phones, with over 700,000 devices tracked since its launch in January.
The app works by linking a unique 14- to 17-digit IMEI number to each phone's SIM card, which can be blocked and terminated if the device is reported as stolen. This technology helps prevent cyber threats and assists law enforcement in tracking down lost or stolen phones.
While Apple has historically refused government requests to pre-load third-party apps on its devices before sale, it may be willing to negotiate a compromise with the Indian authorities. Tarun Pathak, a research director at Counterpoint, noted that "it's likely to seek a middle ground: instead of a mandatory pre-install, they might negotiate and ask for an option to nudge users towards installing the app."
As India's phone market continues to grow, this development highlights the country's growing emphasis on cybersecurity and national security. However, it also raises questions about the impact on user choice and data protection, sparking debate among tech experts and policymakers.
The 90-day deadline for implementation has sparked concerns among privacy advocates, who argue that it effectively removes user consent as a meaningful choice. Mishi Choudhary, a technology lawyer, stated that this is "cause for concern" and raises questions about the balance between national security and individual freedoms.
India's move is not an isolated one; Russia has also implemented similar regulations for its own state-backed messenger app, Max. The Sanchar Saathi app has already shown promise in recovering lost phones, with over 700,000 devices tracked since its launch in January.
The app works by linking a unique 14- to 17-digit IMEI number to each phone's SIM card, which can be blocked and terminated if the device is reported as stolen. This technology helps prevent cyber threats and assists law enforcement in tracking down lost or stolen phones.
While Apple has historically refused government requests to pre-load third-party apps on its devices before sale, it may be willing to negotiate a compromise with the Indian authorities. Tarun Pathak, a research director at Counterpoint, noted that "it's likely to seek a middle ground: instead of a mandatory pre-install, they might negotiate and ask for an option to nudge users towards installing the app."
As India's phone market continues to grow, this development highlights the country's growing emphasis on cybersecurity and national security. However, it also raises questions about the impact on user choice and data protection, sparking debate among tech experts and policymakers.
. I mean, I get why they wanna combat cybercrime and all that, but isn't it kinda invasive to just preload an app on our devices without asking? It's like, what if we don't want it or don't need it? Can't we still have some control over what's on our phones? 
Anyway, I guess it's cool that they're trying to keep the country safe, but I think there's gotta be a better way to do it without sacrificing user freedom. Maybe just give 'em an option or something? 
... anyway, back to this news... i dont get why they cant just make us install it voluntarily? its like, we should be able to choose what apps we want on our phones 
... but at the same time, i guess its good that india is taking cybersecurity seriously 
... how much data does this app collect tho? 
They're making us install some government app that can't be deleted? That's just plain creepy 
. Like, what if I wanna get rid of it because it's bugging me or something? Don't they trust their users to make a decision for themselves?
. If Apple and other manufacturers can't handle that kind of pressure, maybe they should just rethink their entire business model 
.
. Can't we find some other way to prevent hacking and cyber threats without sacrificing our freedom to choose? 
. I mean, I know it's for national security and all that, but come on, can't we find a better way to do it?
. Can't have perfect cybersecurity without sacrificing some user freedom 
.
this is wild...India is basically forcing phone manufacturers to preload their own app on new devices? That's a lot of control over user experience...Interesting how some companies like Apple might be willing to negotiate for an "option" instead of full compliance though, hope it doesn't slip into a backdoor for the government 
!! the fact that over 700k devices have already been tracked since launch of sanchar saathi is like wow 
... but at the same time im a little worried about user consent and data protection 
this is a big deal, you know? 
but at what cost? 
people's privacy is being compromised because they can't delete the app 
90 days is a good start, but let's hope Apple and other big players find a middle ground 
maybe they can make the app optional or give users more control 
. On one hand, it's great that they're prioritizing cybersecurity and taking steps to combat cybercrime 
I don't think so... or do they? 
. And what about users who don't want to use this app? Are we really going to have to opt out of the phone sale if we don't download this thing? That sounds pretty controlling to me 
Sanchar Saathi: because who needs user consent anyway? 
just thinking about this...India's move is a slippery slope. I'm all for safety and security, but taking away our choice to opt out? That's a big deal. 
The whole point of having a smartphone is that you have control over your own device. But now, it sounds like the government's got its foot in the door... not cool 
.