India Requires Smartphone Makers to Install Government App

India has revoked a directive requiring smartphone manufacturers, including Apple and Samsung, to pre-install the government-owned cybersecurity app Sanchar Saathi on new devices due to significant backlash over privacy concerns. The order, aimed at combating fraud and misuse of mobile phones, faced criticism from tech companies and digital rights advocates, who labeled the app a “snooping” tool. After announcing plans to amend the order based on feedback, the government decided against making pre-installation mandatory. The Communications Ministry affirmed the app’s security intentions while acknowledging public sentiment.

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