Why did India order smartphone makers to install a government app?

Al JazeeraCenterEN 5 min read 100% complete by Usaid SiddiquiDecember 3, 2025 at 02:36 PM

AI Summary

long article 5 min

In December 2025, India rescinded an order requiring smartphone manufacturers like Apple and Samsung to pre-install the government's Sanchar Saathi cybersecurity application on all new mobile devices. The Department of Telecommunications had issued the directive in November, giving manufacturers 90 days to comply. The government, led by the BJP, stated the app was intended to combat mobile phone fraud and misuse. However, the order faced significant opposition from tech companies and privacy advocates, with Apple reportedly refusing to comply due to privacy and security concerns. The directive also required companies to submit compliance reports to the telecom ministry within 120 days.

Key Entities & Roles

Key Player Opposition Context

Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) 50% Samsung 60% Apple ×270% India ×480%

Keywords

government app 100% privacy concerns 90% india 90% smartphone manufacturers 80% sanchar saathi 80% digital rights 70% cybersecurity 70% data privacy 60% mobile devices 60%