India has withdrawn a recent directive that required smartphone companies to preload a government cybersecurity app on all new devices.
The move came after strong criticism from privacy advocates, opposition leaders, and major global tech companies who feared that the rule could lead to unwanted surveillance of users across the country.
The directive, issued privately on November 28, instructed companies including Apple, Samsung, and Xiaomi to install an undeletable app called Sanchar Saathi within 90 days. Reuters reported earlier this week that manufacturers were told the app must come preloaded on all new phones sold in India. The report immediately triggered a wave of concern, with many calling the requirement excessive and intrusive.
Sanchar Saathi is a platform created by the government to help users block stolen phones, check device authenticity and report fraud. While the tool offers helpful services, critics argued that making it mandatory and impossible to remove could undermine user trust and give the government too much control over people’s personal devices. Several digital rights groups said the order lacked transparency and did not clearly explain how user data would be handled.
Following the growing backlash, Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s administration has now cancelled the order. Officials have not clarified whether a revised or optional version of the requirement may return later. For now, smartphone makers in India are no longer required to preload the Sanchar Saathi app on new devices.
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