India Withdraws Mandatory Preinstallation of Government Cybersecurity App on Smartphones
India’s telecom ministry reverses order to preinstall the Sanchar Saathi cybersecurity app on smartphones after privacy concerns and industry criticism.
New Delhi, December 4, 2025 – The Indian Ministry of Communications has decided to withdraw its recent directive requiring smartphone manufacturers to preinstall the government-run cybersecurity application, Sanchar Saathi, on new devices.
The initial order, issued on December 2, 2025, instructed smartphone makers to install the app within 90 days and prevent users from disabling it. It also mandated that the app be pushed to existing devices through software updates.
The directive sparked widespread criticism from consumers, privacy advocates, and smartphone companies, raising concerns about user consent and data privacy in one of the world’s largest mobile markets. U.S.-based Apple, among others, prohibits preinstalling third-party apps on its devices, including government-developed applications, leading to potential compliance challenges.
In a statement on Wednesday, the ministry noted that over 600,000 new users had voluntarily registered for the app within a day of the directive. Recognizing its growing acceptance, the government clarified that preinstallation will no longer be mandatory for mobile manufacturers.
The decision reflects a balance between promoting cybersecurity awareness and respecting consumer choice and privacy. The government continues to encourage users to download Sanchar Saathi voluntarily for enhanced mobile security and protection against cyber threats.