India's Mandatory Sanchar Saathi App Installation Sparks Privacy Concerns and Political Debate

Dec 02, 2025 02:13 pm CST

The Indian government has mandated that all mobile phone manufacturers pre-install the Sanchar Saathi app on devices sold in India, sparking significant controversy. While authorities claim this digital safety initiative aims to combat cyber fraud and help recover lost phones, opposition parties strongly condemn the directive as potential government surveillance that violates constitutional privacy rights. The mandate, which gives manufacturers 90 days to comply, may face resistance from companies like Apple, known for opposing such requirements on security grounds.