India lifts order to pre-install state-run cybersecurity apps on smartphones

India has lifted an order forcing smartphone makers to pre-install a state-run cybersecurity app on new phones after sparking public outrage.

The order gives smartphone manufacturers 90 days to pre-install the new Sanchar Saathi app on new phones, which cannot be “disabled or restricted”, Raising privacy and surveillance concerns.

The government believes the move is necessary to verify the phone’s authenticity, but cybersecurity experts say it violates citizens’ privacy rights.

On Wednesday, the government withdrew the order, saying the app’s “acceptance continues to grow.” Apple and Samsung reportedly refused orders to preinstall the software on their devices.

India’s telecom ministry said 14 million users have downloaded the app so far, with 2,000 fraud incidents reported daily and 600,000 new users signing up on Tuesday alone, a tenfold increase.

But the order – Passed last week but announced on Monday – The move to force registration has drawn strong opposition from some cybersecurity experts.

Smartphone giants like Apple and Samsung have also resisted orders to pre-install the app on their phones.

Sources told the BBC that the companies were concerned that the directive was issued without prior consultation and challenged user privacy norms.

While the order has now been withdrawn, Communications Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia dismissed concerns that the app could be used to increase surveillance.

“Snooping using the Sanchar Saathi security app is not possible and will not happen,” Scindia said.

The government’s decision to revoke the order was welcomed by digital advocacy groups.

The Internet Freedom Foundation said on

“For now, we should view this as cautious optimism rather than closure until formal legal direction is issued and independently confirmed.”

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