The Union Government has withdrawn its directive requiring smartphone manufacturers to preload Sanchar Saathi, a state-run cybersecurity app, on all new devices after strong opposition from political leaders, privacy advocates and major global technology firms.
The earlier instruction, communicated privately on 28 November to companies including Apple, Samsung, and Xiaomi, asked that the app be installed on every new phone within 90 days — and that it be non-removable. The move immediately triggered concerns over privacy, surveillance and user autonomy.
Government backtracks after public outcry
In a press statement on Wednesday, the Ministry of Communications said:
“Government has decided not to make the pre-installation mandatory for mobile manufacturers.”
The reversal comes less than 24 hours after ministers defended the plan, arguing that the app helped trace and block stolen phones. The directive had also asked that the app remain active and not be disabled by users — a point heavily criticised by civil society and the opposition.
Industry sources indicated that Apple and Samsung had both been unwilling to comply with the mandate.
Opposition and privacy advocates raise red flags
Senior Congress leader Randeep Singh Surjewala raised the issue in Parliament, saying the government must clarify the legal basis for “mandating a non-removable app.” He warned that such preloaded applications could contain “backdoors,” creating severe risks for user data and privacy.
Newspaper editorials echoed similar concerns, while digital rights groups described the move as an overreach that could lead to mass surveillance.
Tech lawyer Mishi Choudhary said the withdrawal was welcome but added:
“Arbitrary policy decisions without analysis of what effectively works to curb frauds is concerning. India’s unpredictable regulatory framework poses challenges to businesses that value stability.”
Rising downloads cited as reason for reversal
The government said Sanchar Saathi had gained significant traction even without a mandatory rollout, claiming over 6 lakh downloads since Tuesday.
“The app is secure and purely meant to help citizens from bad actors in the cyber world,” the ministry noted.
Sanchar Saathi includes features to locate lost phones, block stolen devices and identify mobile connections linked to a user’s ID.
Similarities with global precedents
Industry observers noted that India’s mandate had few international parallels. Russia is one of the only known examples, having ordered a state-backed messaging app to be compulsorily pre-installed on all mobile devices earlier this year — a move widely criticised as a surveillance tool.
India has previously drawn criticism for mandatory digital measures. In 2020, the compulsory use of the Aarogya Setu COVID-19 contact-tracing app for office workers was later eased after privacy concerns were raised.