India Revokes Mandatory Sanchar Saathi App Preinstall

India's government revoked its mandate requiring smartphone manufacturers to preinstall a state-developed cybersecurity application on new mobile devices, following widespread concerns over privacy and surveillance. The decision, announced by the Ministry of Communications on December 3, 2025, came just days after the initial order issued on November 28 by the Department of Telecommunications.

The original directive instructed companies such as Apple, Samsung, and others to ensure the Sanchar Saathi app was preloaded on all newly manufactured or imported handsets sold in India within 90 days. The app was to be prominently visible during initial device setup and its features could not be disabled or restricted by users. For existing devices, manufacturers were asked to distribute the app through software updates. Compliance reports were due to the ministry within 120 days. Officials described the measure as a step to enhance telecom cybersecurity under the country's rules, allowing users to verify device authenticity via International Mobile Equipment Identity numbers, report suspicious misuse, and combat fraud.

The order quickly drew sharp criticism from digital rights groups,...