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 their new phones with the 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. However, the directive led to a major backlash from several cybersecurity experts, as it was issued without prior consultation and challenged user privacy norms. While the order has now been withdrawn, India's Minister of Communications Jyotiraditya Scindia dismissed concerns that the app could be used to increase surveillance, asserting, 'Snooping is neither possible nor will it happen with the Sanchar Saathi safety app.' The decision to reverse the order was welcomed by digital advocacy groups, who are now seeking clarity on the full legal implications of this action.
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. However, the directive led to a major backlash from several cybersecurity experts, as it was issued without prior consultation and challenged user privacy norms. While the order has now been withdrawn, India's Minister of Communications Jyotiraditya Scindia dismissed concerns that the app could be used to increase surveillance, asserting, 'Snooping is neither possible nor will it happen with the Sanchar Saathi safety app.' The decision to reverse the order was welcomed by digital advocacy groups, who are now seeking clarity on the full legal implications of this action.
