In brief
In a significant policy reversal, India has scrapped an order that mandated smartphone manufacturers to preload a state-run cyber safety app, Sanchar Saathi, following public outcry over privacy and surveillance risks. The government's original intention was to enhance handset verification and reduce fraud, but the directive faced stiff opposition from tech giants and cybersecurity experts. The withdrawal has been welcomed by digital rights advocates, although they await further clarification on future cybersecurity regulations.
India has scrapped an order making it mandatory for smartphone makers to preload a state-run cyber safety app on new phones after a public furore.
The order gave smartphone makers 90 days to pre-load new phones with its new Sanchar Saathi app, which could not be disabled or restricted, sparking privacy and surveillance concerns.
The government argued the move was necessary to verify the authenticity of handsets, but cybersecurity experts said it impinged on citizens' right to privacy.
Withdrawing the order on Wednesday, the government cited the app's increasing acceptance. It came after Apple and Samsung had reportedly resisted the directive to pre-install it on their devices.
So far 14 million users have downloaded the app, reporting 2,000 frauds daily, and on Tuesday alone, 600,000 new users registered - a tenfold spike, according to India's telecom ministry.
While the order has now been withdrawn, India's Minister of Communications Jyotiraditya Scindia dismissed concerns that the app could be used to increase surveillance.
Digital rights groups have expressed cautious optimism but are awaiting further details on the legal order. This is a welcome development, but we are still awaiting the full text of the legal order that should accompany this announcement, including any revised directions under the Cyber Security Rules, 2024, stated the Internet Freedom Foundation.
