India forces Apple, Samsung to pre-install controversial cybersecurity app
India’s Department of Telecommunications (DoT) has ordered smartphone makers to pre-install the Sanchar Saathi cybersecurity app on all new devices. The directive, issued to major manufacturers like Apple, Samsung, and Xiaomi, aims to tackle mobile theft, fraud, and misuse of IMEI numbers.
The move has already sparked criticism, with lawmakers raising concerns over privacy and government overreach.
The DoT’s order requires all new phones sold in India to include the Sanchar Saathi app as a visible and fully functional pre-installed application. Manufacturers have 90 days to comply, with no option to disable or restrict its features.
Government officials describe the app as a key tool for improving telecom security and protecting citizens from scams. However, the mandate has faced immediate backlash. Shiv Sena UBT MP Priyanka Chaturvedi condemned the directive, calling it 'a BIG BOSS surveillance moment' and questioning the extent of government access to personal devices.
Global smartphone giants, particularly Apple, are expected to resist the requirement. The company has a long-standing policy against pre-installing third-party apps and has previously rejected similar government requests. Industry sources suggest Apple may propose an alternative, such as prompting users to download the app upon device setup. Samsung, Xiaomi, Oppo, and Vivo—also affected by the directive—have yet to comment publicly on their compliance plans.
The 90-day deadline leaves manufacturers with limited time to adapt. If enforced, the rule will mark a significant shift in how smartphones are sold in India. The outcome may also set a precedent for future government-mandated software requirements on consumer devices.
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