Post by : Badri Ariffin

In a significant reversal, India announced that it will not require the pre-installation of a government-backed security app on smartphones. The department of telecommunications has officially canceled its directive that mandated tech companies to embed the Sanchar Saathi app on all devices within a specified 90-day timeframe.

This order, which was quietly issued last week, sparked widespread criticism from civil liberties advocates, opposition lawmakers, and major technology companies like Apple and Google, who did not comply. Detractors expressed concerns that the application could function as a surveillance mechanism disguised as a security measure.

Designed to aid users in locating and blocking lost phones as well as reporting fraudulent calls, Sanchar Saathi was portrayed by the government as a protective tool against cyber threats. However, critics asserted that its deployment could be abused for monitoring purposes.

Randeep Singh Surjewala from the Indian National Congress warned that the app could serve as a “kill switch,” potentially rendering devices unusable and granting the government excessive power over citizens, including journalists and political adversaries. This situation drew parallels to Russia's 2025 requirement for the installation of the Max app, which raised similar concerns regarding mass surveillance.

Communications Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia emphasized that the app is optional and can be removed, affirming the citizens’ right to privacy within a democratic framework.

The revocation of the order has been applauded by digital rights activists and civil society groups, who hailed it as a victory for online privacy while urging ongoing vigilance against government mandates that may impact personal data.

#Global News #AI #Technology