Maya Robertson
India’s government has withdrawn its order requiring smartphone manufacturers to pre-install the state-run cybersecurity app Sanchar Saathi on all new devices. The decision follows criticism from privacy advocates, opposition parties, and concerns from major tech companies over potential surveillance and user privacy risks.
The communications ministry announced on Wednesday that the app will remain voluntary, reversing a directive issued last week that would have required the app to be embedded on devices and made non-removable. The earlier mandate sparked public debate over state access to personal devices and legal authority for compulsory app installation.
Sanchar Saathi, launched in January 2025, provides anti-theft and cybersecurity protections and collects reports on approximately 2,000 cyber-fraud incidents daily. The app has seen strong adoption, with over 14 million downloads to date. The recent controversy further boosted uptake, with roughly 600,000 users registering on December 2 alone.
Telecom minister Jyotiraditya Scindia previously emphasized that users could uninstall the app, but the initial notice to manufacturers stated the app’s features “must not be disabled or restricted,” creating confusion over whether the installation was truly optional. Industry sources indicated that Apple had not participated in discussions on the mandate, while other manufacturers expressed doubts about its enforceability without clear legal backing.
The policy reversal marks a rare retreat for the Modi administration, which has faced scrutiny over digital privacy measures in the past. Senior Congress leader Randeep Singh Surjewala questioned the government’s authority to mandate a non-removable app, highlighting privacy and security concerns.
The Internet Freedom Foundation, a New Delhi-based digital rights group, called the withdrawal a “welcome development” but urged caution until the formal legal order is issued and independently verified.
Other elements of the Sanchar Saathi ecosystem, including trade-in and recommerce platforms, will continue to validate devices through a central IMEI database. The telecom ministry is also piloting an API to allow firms to submit customer and device information directly to the government.
The government described the move as a response to growing user adoption, noting that the app’s voluntary usage has steadily increased. With the withdrawal of the pre-installation mandate, Sanchar Saathi will continue to operate as an optional tool for cybersecurity, rather than a compulsory feature on all smartphones sold in India.
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