surveillance concerns
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The Indian government has withdrawn its controversial order requiring pre-installation of the Sanchar Saathi cybersecurity app on all smartphones after significant public backlash and privacy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.
Apple's Stance Against India's Sanchar Saathi App Mandate Raises Privacy Concerns
Dec 02, 2025 04:49 pm CST
Apple is preparing to challenge the Indian government's mandate requiring smartphone manufacturers to preinstall the Sanchar Saathi cyber safety app, citing privacy and security concerns for its iOS ecosystem. The directive, which affects major brands including Samsung and Xiaomi, has sparked criticism from opposition politicians and privacy advocates who fear increased government surveillance of India's 730 million smartphone users.
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.