News Summary

The Indian government has mandated that all smartphone manufacturers, including Apple, Samsung, and Xiaomi, preload a state-owned cybersecurity app called Sanchar Saathi on new devices. The app is intended to enhance cyber safety by allowing users to block and track lost phones and identify fraudulent mobile connections. However, this mandate has sparked significant political and public outcry due to privacy concerns. Opposition parties and digital freedom activists argue that the app could enable government surveillance, likening the move to actions seen in authoritarian regimes. Apple has reportedly decided not to comply with the order, citing security and privacy risks. The company plans to communicate its refusal to the Indian government, consistent with its global policy against such mandates. India’s telecoms minister clarified that while the app must be preloaded, users can choose to uninstall it.