India scraps order to pre-install state-run cyber safety app on smartphones

BBC News - WorldCenterEN 2 min read 100% complete December 3, 2025 at 11:39 AM

AI Summary

medium article 2 min

India's government has withdrawn a recent order requiring smartphone manufacturers to pre-install the state-run Sanchar Saathi cyber safety app on new devices. The initial directive, which gave manufacturers 90 days to comply, raised privacy and surveillance concerns among cybersecurity experts and smartphone companies like Apple and Samsung. The government initially justified the mandate as necessary for verifying handset authenticity. However, after public backlash and resistance from tech companies, the order was rescinded, citing the app's growing popularity, with 14 million downloads and a surge in new users. Despite the reversal, digital advocacy groups are awaiting official documentation to confirm the withdrawal and any potential revised cybersecurity rules.

Key Entities & Roles

Key Player Opposition Context

Apple 50% Samsung 50% Jyotiraditya Scindia ×260% India ×980%

Keywords

cyber safety app 100% smartphone 80% privacy 80% surveillance 70% data security 60% pre-install 60% sanchar saathi app 50% india 50% cybersecurity 50% user privacy 40%