India orders phone makers to preload devices with state-owned cyber safety app

The Guardian - World NewsCenter-LeftEN 3 min read 100% complete by ReutersDecember 1, 2025 at 07:41 PM

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India's telecoms ministry has ordered smartphone manufacturers, including Apple and Samsung, to preload all new devices with the government's Sanchar Saathi cybersecurity app within 90 days, starting from November 28. The app, designed to combat cybercrime and hacking by addressing issues like duplicate IMEI numbers, cannot be uninstalled by users. For devices already in the supply chain, manufacturers must push the app via software updates. The government cites the app's success in recovering lost phones as justification, while technology lawyers and privacy advocates express concern over the removal of user consent and potential parallels with similar requirements in Russia. Apple, known for resisting pre-installation of third-party apps, may seek a compromise with the Indian government.

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Samsung 50% Vivo 50% Oppo 50% Xiaomi 50% Apple ×360% India ×780%

Keywords

cybersecurity app 90% pre-installation 80% privacy 70% india 70% sanchar saathi app 60% smartphone makers 60% government order 60% cybercrime 50% software updates 40% telecoms ministry 40%