The Indian government has withdrawn its directive for smartphone producers to automatically include the state-operated Sanchar Saathi security application. Following objections from companies like Apple and Samsung, as well as criticism from political opponents, officials from the Modi administration announced that pre-installation will not be compulsory for device makers. The application remains accessible for optional installation by users.
According to the Ministry of Communications, this policy shift stems from robust voluntary uptake. Officials noted that approximately 14 million individuals, representing about 1% of the country's residents, have installed the app. The ministry's announcement explained that user numbers are growing steadily, and the original compulsion aimed to boost this momentum while ensuring accessibility for those less informed about such tools.
In a message provided to Engadget, the Electronic Frontier Foundation expressed approval of the decision. David Greene, the organization's Civil Liberties Director, described the government's initial plan as a flawed and risky proposal that persisted unnecessarily for a full day. He acknowledged the swift resistance from partner groups in India, including SFLC.in and the Internet Freedom Foundation.
Earlier, the authorities had instructed smartphone vendors to integrate the Sanchar Saathi app on all upcoming devices within 90 days. Makers were also obligated to push the software to current handsets through updates. The government maintains that the app serves exclusively cybersecurity functions, featuring options for users to notify authorities and secure misplaced or stolen phones.
However, advocates for privacy raised alarms over potential misuse as a tool for widespread monitoring by the state. As reported by the BBC, the app's data protection guidelines permit it to initiate and oversee phone calls, dispatch texts, and retrieve records of communications, along with stored documents, images, and even camera access.
According to Reuters, analysts pointed to Russia as the sole comparable instance of such a policy. Last August, the administration under Vladimir Putin mandated the pre-installation of the MAX messaging service on every mobile device nationwide. Similar to the Indian case, observers highlighted risks of it enabling oversight by authorities.
On Tuesday, Reuters indicated that Apple planned to disregard the Indian directive due to worries over user privacy and device safety. Samsung was said to have adopted a similar position. Prominent figures from the opposition, including Congress party's Randeep Singh Surjewala, demanded explanations from the Modi administration regarding its legal basis for enforcing a persistently installed app. Although presented as driven by public engagement, the change appears influenced significantly by the positions of these firms and internal political dynamics.
Update, December 3, 2025, 2:50 PM ET: This article now incorporates the Electronic Frontier Foundation's commentary.