“This is a welcome development"
India has scrapped an order that would have forced smartphone makers to pre-load a state-run cyber safety app on new devices, following public outcry.
The directive, passed last week but made public on December 1, had required manufacturers to include the Sanchar Saathi app on all new phones within 90 days.
Companies included the likes of Apple, Samsung, Vivo, Oppo and Xiaomi.
The app could not be “disabled or restricted”, raising widespread privacy and surveillance concerns.
The government had justified the move as necessary to verify handset authenticity, but cybersecurity experts argued it infringed on citizens’ right to privacy.
Technology lawyer Mishi Choudhary warned that it would raise red flags, adding:
“The government effectively removes user consent as a meaningful choice.”
Meanwhile, Congress general secretary KC Venugopal said:
“Big Brother cannot watch us. This DoT (Department of Telecommunications) Direction is beyond unconstitutional.
“The Right to Privacy is an intrinsic part of the fundamental right to life and liberty, enshrined in Article 21 of the Constitution.
“A pre-loaded government app that cannot be uninstalled is a dystopian tool to monitor every Indian. It is a means to watch over every movement, interaction and decision of each citizen.
“This is part of the long series of relentless assaults on the constitutional rights of Indian citizens and will not be allowed to continue.
“We reject this direction and demand an immediate rollback.”
Authorities said the order was withdrawn due to the app’s “increasing acceptance”.
So far, 14 million users have downloaded Sanchar Saathi, reporting 2,000 fraud cases daily.
On December 2, 600,000 new users registered, marking a tenfold spike, according to India’s telecom ministry.
Despite these numbers, the mandatory registration rule prompted strong backlash from experts. Smartphone giants such as Apple and Samsung also resisted pre-installing the app.
The companies were reportedly concerned that the directive was issued without prior consultation and conflicted with user privacy norms.
India’s Minister of Communications, Jyotiraditya Scindia, dismissed fears that the app could facilitate surveillance:
“Snooping is neither possible nor will it happen with the Sanchar Saathi safety app.”
Digital advocacy groups welcomed the reversal, though some urged caution.
The Internet Freedom Foundation said: “This is a welcome development, but we are still awaiting the full text of the legal order that should accompany this announcement, including any revised directions under the Cyber Security Rules, 2024.
“For now, we should treat this as cautious optimism, not closure, until the formal legal direction is published and independently confirmed.”
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