Department of Telecommunications
Indian Government Reverses Mandatory Sanchar Saathi App Pre-Installation Order Following Privacy Concerns
Dec 03, 2025 06:32 pm CST
The Indian government has withdrawn its controversial order requiring pre-installation of the Sanchar Saathi cybersecurity app on all smartphones after significant public backlash and privacy concerns. Communications Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia confirmed that the app, developed to help citizens manage digital security, can be deleted by users, amid opposition claims of potential surveillance overreach.
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.
Understanding India's Sanchar Saathi: The Mandatory Cybersecurity App for All New Smartphones
Dec 02, 2025 12:52 pm CST
Sanchar Saathi, a comprehensive cybersecurity platform developed by India's Department of Telecommunications, is becoming mandatory on all new smartphones. This government initiative aims to protect over 1.2 billion mobile users from fraud, identity theft, and device theft, while offering features like suspicious activity reporting and IMEI blocking. Despite its security benefits, the mandate has created tension with manufacturers like Apple and raised privacy concerns among advocacy groups.
Supreme Court Allows Centre to Reconsider Vodafone Idea's Rs 9,450 Crore AGR Dues
Oct 27, 2025 06:54 pm CST
The Supreme Court has granted relief to Vodafone Idea by allowing the Centre to reconsider AGR dues worth Rs 9,450 crore, noting the government's 49% stake in the company and potential impact on 20 crore consumers. The court clarified this falls within the government's policy domain, with Solicitor General Tushar Mehta highlighting the "huge change in circumstances" since the 2019 ruling.