Sanchar Saathi: India scraps order to pre
BBC • • general
Key Points:
- India has withdrawn an order mandating smartphone makers to preload the state-run Sanchar Saathi cyber safety app on new phones after public backlash over privacy concerns.
- The original directive required the app to be pre-installed and non-disableable, sparking fears of surveillance and impinging on citizens' privacy rights.
- The government justified the app as necessary for handset authenticity verification and cited its growing user base of 14 million and daily fraud reports as reasons for its acceptance.
- Major smartphone companies like Apple and Samsung opposed the mandate, citing lack of prior consultation and privacy issues.
- Digital advocacy groups welcomed the withdrawal but urged transparency and the release of formal legal documentation to confirm the government's revised stance.
