India Mandates Preloaded Government App on Smartphones, Sparks Privacy Concerns

India has mandated that smartphone manufacturers pre-install a government-operated cybersecurity application, raising significant concerns about user privacy. This directive affects the nation’s vast population of over 1.16 billion mobile phone users, according to government data from 2024. Authorities claim that the app, named Sanchar Saathi—which translates to “communication partner” in Hindi—will enhance protection against fraud and cyber threats.

The order, issued by New Delhi late on Monday, grants manufacturers a 90-day compliance period. It stipulates that Sanchar Saathi must be “pre-installed on all mobile handsets manufactured or imported for use in India.” Additionally, the directive specifies that the app must be “readily visible and accessible to the end users at the time of first use or device setup,” ensuring that its functionalities remain active and unrestricted.

According to the government, Sanchar Saathi allows users to block and track lost or stolen devices. It also features tools to identify and disconnect fraudulent mobile subscriptions made under one’s name. Government statistics indicate that the app has already assisted in tracing more than 2.6 million mobile devices.

Despite these claims, rights advocates and political figures are expressing alarm over the potential implications for user privacy. The advocacy group Internet Freedom Foundation (IFF) released a statement on X, stating that the new directive represents “a sharp and deeply worrying expansion of executive control over personal digital devices.” The IFF highlighted concerns about the implications of a surveillance capability being integrated into personal devices without adequate safeguards.

Cybersecurity analyst Nikhil Pahwa also criticized the new rules, describing them as a clear invasion of privacy. “How do we know this app isn’t used to access files and messaging on our device, which is unencrypted on the device? Or that a future update won’t do that?” he questioned in a post on X. “This is clearly an invasion of our privacy.”

Political opposition has emerged as well, particularly from the Congress party, which is demanding the immediate withdrawal of the order, labeling it unconstitutional. Congress politician KC Venugopal voiced his concerns on X, asserting, “Big Brother cannot watch us.” He described the government’s initiative as a “dystopian tool” that could monitor every Indian citizen’s movements and interactions.

This move in India follows a similar directive issued by Russia in August, which required manufacturers to include a new messaging platform called Max on all new phones and tablets. Rights advocates warned that Max could also serve as a surveillance tool, drawing parallels with India’s new app requirement.

As the debate over privacy rights and government surveillance intensifies, the implications of this order will likely resonate beyond India, influencing discussions around digital rights globally. The international community is watching closely as the situation develops.