India Mandates Pre-Installed Security App, Privacy Fears Rise

India's Controversial Mandatory Security App Sparks Privacy Debate

In a move that has ignited fierce debate about digital rights and government surveillance, India has ordered smartphone manufacturers to pre-install a government-developed cybersecurity app called 'Sanchar Saathi' on all new devices sold in the country. The directive, issued on November 28, 2025, gives companies 90 days to comply and makes the app non-deletable for users.

Government's Cybersecurity Justification

The Indian government, through its Department of Telecommunications, argues that the mandatory installation is essential to combat 'serious threats' to cybersecurity. According to official statements, the Sanchar Saathi app helps protect Indians from cyber threats and assists in tracking stolen devices. Government data claims the app has already helped recover over 700,000 lost phones since its introduction earlier in 2025.

'This app is crucial for national security and protecting our citizens from increasing cyber threats,' said a government spokesperson who requested anonymity. 'We're living in an era where digital security cannot be optional.'

Privacy Experts Sound Alarm

Digital rights advocates and privacy experts have raised serious concerns about the mandatory nature of the installation. Nikhil Pahwa, a prominent digital security expert, told AP News: 'This is the beginning. This is the government testing how far they can go. Once a government app is mandatory on our devices, what stops them from mandating other apps in the future? Those could be used for surveillance.'

Pahwa expressed particular concern about the potential for mission creep: 'Phones are our personal space. We should have the choice to install what we want. The government is taking away that choice.'

Apple's Expected Resistance

The directive faces significant challenges from major smartphone manufacturers, particularly Apple. The California-based company has historically resisted similar government mandates worldwide, citing its internal policies against pre-installing third-party apps. According to industry analysts, Apple's guidelines specifically prohibit the pre-installation of government apps on its devices.

Tarun Pathak of market research firm Counterpoint told The Independent: 'There will likely be a search for middle ground rather than mandatory pre-installation. They might negotiate with the company about an option to encourage users to install the app themselves.'

As of now, major smartphone companies including Apple, Google, Samsung, and Xiaomi have not publicly responded to the order.

Market Context and Global Precedents

India represents one of the world's largest smartphone markets with approximately 1.2 billion users. According to recent market data, India's smartphone market grew 5% in 2025, with shipments surpassing 155 million units. Apple achieved a significant milestone, climbing to fourth place in the Indian market for the first time with 10.4% market share in Q3 2025.

The Indian move follows similar controversial measures in other countries. In August 2025, Russia mandated the pre-installation of its state messaging app MAX on all devices sold in the country, a move criticized by human rights organizations as increasing state censorship and isolation of citizens.

Legal and Regulatory Framework

The controversy comes as India implements its new Digital Personal Data Protection Act (DPDP) and accompanying rules in 2025. While this legislation establishes India's first comprehensive digital privacy law with GDPR-like consent requirements, critics argue it grants the government broad powers to access personal data without strong independent oversight.

The Sanchar Saathi app itself, according to Wikipedia, is a government web portal operated by the Department of Telecommunications to help mobile users track and block lost smartphones and prevent identity theft using the CEIR (Central Equipment Identity Register) module.

Potential Outcomes and Industry Response

Industry observers suggest several possible outcomes. The government might modify its requirements following industry pushback, particularly from Apple. Alternatively, manufacturers could seek legal challenges or negotiate compromises that maintain user choice while promoting the app's adoption.

The controversy highlights the ongoing tension between government cybersecurity initiatives and individual privacy rights in the digital age. As one industry analyst noted: 'This isn't just about one app. It's about who controls the digital space on our personal devices - us or the government.'

With 90 days for compliance, the coming months will reveal whether India's smartphone mandate stands, gets modified, or faces significant resistance from both manufacturers and privacy advocates worldwide.