India Signals Flexibility on Mandatory Cybersecurity App Order
India’s government has indicated a willingness to amend its order requiring smartphone makers to pre-install a state-run cybersecurity app, following widespread criticism over privacy and surveillance concerns. Communications Minister Jyotiraditya M. Scindia told lawmakers on Wednesday that the government was “ready to make changes” based on feedback received from various stakeholders.
Opposition and Industry Pushback
The move sparked immediate backlash from the opposition and the tech industry. Earlier in the day, the main opposition Congress party demanded an explanation from the government, questioning its legal authority to mandate the installation of a non-removable app. Senior Congress leader Randeep Singh Surjewala called for a parliamentary debate on the privacy and security implications, warning that such software “could have a backdoor, thereby compromising user data and privacy.”
Privacy advocates, newspaper editorials and technology experts joined the criticism, calling the order a potential step towards increased state surveillance. Industry sources revealed that Apple has no plans to comply with the directive, which it views as incompatible with its global privacy and security standards.
Government’s Defence and the Sanchar Saathi App
According to the government directive, smartphone manufacturers including Apple, Samsung, and Xiaomi were instructed to pre-install the app Sanchar Saathi—meaning “Communication Partner”—on all new devices within 90 days. The app, the government argues, helps track and block stolen phones to prevent misuse.
Officials described the initiative as essential to combating the “serious endangerment” of cybersecurity in the country. The directive also ordered manufacturers to deliver the app to existing users via software updates and ensure that it cannot be disabled.
However, critics demanded transparency regarding independent cybersecurity audits and safeguards. They questioned the absence of clear mechanisms to prevent misuse or unauthorised data collection.
Comparisons and Wider Reaction
Industry observers noted that India’s order has few international precedents. Russia’s decision earlier this year to require the pre-installation of its state-backed messenger app MAX on all devices remains one of the rare parallels. Apple has reportedly raised concerns with New Delhi, stating that such measures contradict its global policies and pose serious privacy risks.
The debate has dominated Indian television and social media, with privacy advocates and politicians arguing over the balance between security and individual rights. Editorials in major newspapers echoed public sentiment: The Indian Express described the order as a “serious apprehension of surveillance,” while The Times of India urged the government to withdraw it, warning that “phones are our private space, and one intrusion could lead to many more.”
This controversy marks another flashpoint in India’s ongoing debate over digital privacy. The government previously faced similar criticism in 2020 for mandating the COVID-19 contact-tracing app, a rule that was later relaxed after public outcry.
Despite the backlash, data from market intelligence firm Sensor Tower showed that downloads of Sanchar Saathi surged by 13% on Monday, reaching 78,000 daily installs.
with inputs from Reuters