India has ordered all new smartphones to be pre-loaded with a state-run cybersecurity app, raising concerns over privacy and surveillance. The Sanchar Saathi app, launched in January, allows users to check their device's IMEI (International Mobile Equipment Identity) number, report lost or stolen phones, and flag suspected fraud communications.
Under the order, passed last week but made public on Monday, smartphone manufacturers have 90 days to ensure that all new devices come with the app. The app's functionalities cannot be disabled or restricted, and it can make and manage phone calls, send messages, access call and message logs, photos, and files as well as the phone's camera.
The government says this move will bolster telecom cybersecurity. However, cyber experts have criticized the order, saying it breaches citizens' right to privacy. They argue that the app's broad permissions raise concerns about how much data it can collect, widening the scope for surveillance.
India has big second-hand mobile device market and cases of stolen or blacklisted devices being re-sold are common. The new rules aim to combat this by requiring pre-installed software that helps identify such phones. However, experts say compliance will be difficult since most handset-makers, including Apple, prohibit the installation of any government or third-party app before a smartphone is sold.
Apple has not commented publicly but Reuters reports it does not intend to comply and "will convey its concerns to Delhi". India is not the only country with such rules - Russia recently ordered all phones and tablets sold in the country to come pre-installed with a state-backed messenger app, sparking similar concerns.
Under the order, passed last week but made public on Monday, smartphone manufacturers have 90 days to ensure that all new devices come with the app. The app's functionalities cannot be disabled or restricted, and it can make and manage phone calls, send messages, access call and message logs, photos, and files as well as the phone's camera.
The government says this move will bolster telecom cybersecurity. However, cyber experts have criticized the order, saying it breaches citizens' right to privacy. They argue that the app's broad permissions raise concerns about how much data it can collect, widening the scope for surveillance.
India has big second-hand mobile device market and cases of stolen or blacklisted devices being re-sold are common. The new rules aim to combat this by requiring pre-installed software that helps identify such phones. However, experts say compliance will be difficult since most handset-makers, including Apple, prohibit the installation of any government or third-party app before a smartphone is sold.
Apple has not commented publicly but Reuters reports it does not intend to comply and "will convey its concerns to Delhi". India is not the only country with such rules - Russia recently ordered all phones and tablets sold in the country to come pre-installed with a state-backed messenger app, sparking similar concerns.
like what if its tracking ur every move? 
or whats the point of even having a private life? 
also, how r they gonna stop people from uninstalling it anyway? 
this is just so sus rn 
. I mean, can't they just let us enjoy our smartphones without constant surveillance? This Sanchar Saathi app sounds like it's giving the government way too much power over our personal data 
. And what about all the experts who say this is a huge breach of citizens' right to privacy? It's not like we need some govt-mandated security software on our phones to feel safe 
.
. And Apple isn't even willing to comply... that's a big deal, considering how much influence they have in the market 
.
. Can't we just trust our own judgment when it comes to online safety? 
. The fact that Apple isn't going to comply is a major red flag - if they're not comfortable with it, I don't blame them. It's not about being contrarian, it's about protecting people's privacy and whatnot. This is exactly the kind of thing that makes me nostalgic for the good old days when you didn't have to worry about the government snooping on your every move 
also, 90 days is pretty tight for manufacturers to get everything sorted out... hope they can make it work 
. and what about ppl who buy second-hand phones? are they gonna have to deal with this too? 
also, how can we trust that our data won't be misused just 'cause of some "cybersecurity" measures 
[1]
I've had my share of problems with old phones being re-sold as new ones, so this app could be a game-changer in terms of fighting those scams. But on the other hand, all that data collected by the app raises some serious red flags about surveillance... 
.
.
That's like, a lot of data being collected... and this app is just gonna make it worse 
. And what about the security risks? We're already seeing cases of stolen phones being resold - this new rule might even encourage people to keep using them after they've been compromised 
.
. I mean, 90 days is not a lot of time for smartphone manufacturers to get this app installed on new devices 
. And what's up with Apple not commenting publicly? Sounds like they're trying to avoid some controversy 
. I hope these cyber experts are right and this order gets changed before it's too late 
. We need to protect our right to privacy, not just our devices 
.