India Reverses Mandatory Cybersecurity App Pre-installation Amid Privacy Concerns
India's Ministry of Communications revoked its order for smartphone makers to pre-install the "Sanchar Saathi" cybersecurity app on new devices, following widespread public backlash and privacy infringement concerns.
Overview
India initially mandated smartphone manufacturers to pre-install the government's "Sanchar Saathi" cybersecurity app on all new devices within 90 days.
The app was designed to help block and track lost or stolen phones and shut down fraudulent mobile connections, aiming to protect citizens from cyber threats.
The directive faced significant public backlash, criticism from opposition parties, and concerns from companies regarding data privacy violations and potential surveillance.
The Indian Ministry of Communications subsequently reversed its order, scrapping the requirement for smartphone makers to preload the state-developed cyber safety app.
Despite the controversy and reversal of the mandate, the "Sanchar Saathi" app saw a surge in interest, with 600,000 new users registering in a single day, reaching 14 million total users.
Analysis
Center-leaning sources cover this story neutrally, presenting a balanced account of the Indian government's decision to scrap the mandatory pre-installation of the Sanchar Saathi app. They detail the government's initial rationale, public and expert privacy concerns, industry resistance, and the government's subsequent withdrawal, offering diverse perspectives without editorial bias.
Articles (4)
Center (4)
FAQ
The Sanchar Saathi app is designed to help users block and track lost or stolen phones, shut down fraudulent mobile connections, and protect citizens from cyber threats.
The government revoked the order due to widespread public backlash, privacy concerns, and criticism from opposition parties and digital rights activists who feared potential surveillance and data privacy violations.
Yes, users are free to delete the Sanchar Saathi app from their devices if they do not wish to use it, according to government clarifications.
Privacy concerns included fears of state surveillance, access to personal data such as call logs and SMS, and the inability to revoke permissions or disable the app, especially if it became a system-level requirement.
As of the latest reports, the Sanchar Saathi app has reached 14 million total users, with 600,000 new registrations in a single day following the controversy.
History
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