India Drops Mandatory Cybersecurity App Order
- Decision marks rare policy reversal for Modi’s government
- Congress Party questioned legality of the move
- Privacy advocates contested the decision
- Apple did not plan to comply with the directive
India has withdrawn its directive requiring smartphone makers to preload a government-run cybersecurity app after widespread criticism. The Sanchar Saathi app, intended to track and block stolen phones, was initially mandated to be installed on all new devices. Political opposition, privacy concerns, and resistance from global tech companies prompted the government to reverse course.
Government Reversal
The communications ministry announced on Wednesday that pre-installation of the app would no longer be mandatory. The original order, issued privately on November 28, had instructed companies such as Apple, Samsung, and Xiaomi to preload the app within 90 days. Officials had also asked manufacturers to ensure the app could not be disabled, raising concerns about surveillance. Just a day earlier, ministers defended the plan, saying it was designed to protect users from fraud and misuse of stolen phones.
Political and Industry Pushback
Opposition parties strongly criticized the directive, calling for debates in Parliament on privacy and security risks. Senior Congress leader Randeep Singh Surjewala argued that mandating a non-removable app could compromise user data through potential backdoors. Privacy advocates and newspaper editorials echoed these concerns, while Apple and Samsung reportedly planned not to comply. The reversal follows a similar policy change last year, when India scrapped a laptop import licensing requirement after lobbying from U.S. officials.
Privacy Concerns and Global Context
The government explained that the app was already gaining popularity, with 600,000 downloads reported since Tuesday. Officials insisted the app is secure and intended only to protect citizens from cyber threats. Critics noted that few precedents exist for such mandates, with Russia being one of the only examples, requiring pre-installation of its MAX messenger app. India has faced privacy debates before, including backlash over a compulsory COVID-19 contact-tracing app in 2020 that was later made voluntary.
Sanchar Saathi remains available for voluntary download and has been promoted as a tool to block stolen devices and prevent fraud. Analysts highlight that India’s regulatory unpredictability poses challenges for global tech companies operating in the country. The episode underscores the tension between national security measures and user privacy, a debate increasingly common worldwide. Similar controversies have arisen in other regions, where governments balance digital safety with civil liberties in shaping technology policies.
