Government Withdraws Sanchar Saathi App Pre-Installation Order Amid Privacy Concerns
The government has withdrawn its earlier order that required smartphone makers to pre-install the Sanchar Saathi app on all new devices sold in India. This government order rollback comes just two days after the directive sparked widespread debate around smartphone privacy, the role of a cybersecurity app, and concerns about user rights.
According to the official statement issued this afternoon, the withdrawal was prompted by a massive surge in voluntary downloads of the Sanchar Saathi app. Over six lakh people installed the cybersecurity app in the past 24 hours alone, which the government said showed strong public interest. Officials explained that the earlier pre-installation mandate was introduced mainly to speed up adoption, but the government order rollback was made after seeing such rapid growth without mandatory installation.
The government’s decision follows strong protests from opposition leaders, civil rights groups and digital privacy activists . Many argued the pre-installation mandate violated smartphone privacy and raised fears about surveillance. Concerns also surfaced that the Sanchar Saathi app could potentially be misused, drawing comparisons to the infamous Pegasus spyware scandal. These privacy concerns ultimately intensified calls for the government order rollback.
The pushback highlighted a growing public demand for tighter digital safeguards, especially when a cybersecurity app is linked to sensitive personal data. The government said its goal remains to empower users to stay protected from fraud, but acknowledged the privacy concerns that emerged. With the government order rollback, smartphone users can now choose whether they want to install the Sanchar Saathi app, reinforcing the importance of smartphone privacy while still promoting digital safety.
You may also like
- "Fall-off needs to be studied"- Fans react as NBA execs question Ja Morant's future with Memphis Grizzlies amid injuries and attitude concerns
- 'Are you unhappy with Punjab CM?': Union Minister's riposte to Raghav Chadha on water issue
- Gati Shakti multi-modal cargo terminal freight revenue increases 4 times in 3 years, reaching Rs 12,608.05 cr in 2024-25
- IRCTC website records 99.98 pc uptime in April-October: Vaishnaw
- Major boost to rail infrastructure in Chhattisgarh: Centre fast-tracks new railway line projects in Ambikapur region
According to the official statement issued this afternoon, the withdrawal was prompted by a massive surge in voluntary downloads of the Sanchar Saathi app. Over six lakh people installed the cybersecurity app in the past 24 hours alone, which the government said showed strong public interest. Officials explained that the earlier pre-installation mandate was introduced mainly to speed up adoption, but the government order rollback was made after seeing such rapid growth without mandatory installation.
The government’s decision follows strong protests from opposition leaders, civil rights groups and digital privacy activists . Many argued the pre-installation mandate violated smartphone privacy and raised fears about surveillance. Concerns also surfaced that the Sanchar Saathi app could potentially be misused, drawing comparisons to the infamous Pegasus spyware scandal. These privacy concerns ultimately intensified calls for the government order rollback.
The pushback highlighted a growing public demand for tighter digital safeguards, especially when a cybersecurity app is linked to sensitive personal data. The government said its goal remains to empower users to stay protected from fraud, but acknowledged the privacy concerns that emerged. With the government order rollback, smartphone users can now choose whether they want to install the Sanchar Saathi app, reinforcing the importance of smartphone privacy while still promoting digital safety.
More from our partners
