"A political outcry has erupted in India after the government mandated large technology companies to install a state-owned app on smartphones that has led to surveillance fears among opposition MPs and activists. Manufacturers including Apple, Samsung and Xiomi now have 90 days to comply with the order to preload the government's Sanchar Saathi, or Communication Partner, on every phone in India. All phones must have the app pre-installed before sale, while those already sold should have it installed through software updates."
"The Indian government denied any privacy implications, stating that Sanchar Saathi does not automatically capture any specific personal information from you without intimation on the application. According to Reuters, Apple is among the big tech companies that is reportedly refusing to comply with the edict, while otherlarge tech companies have yet to publicly respond. The app, described as a citizen-centric safety tool, allows users to block and track lost or stolen mobile phones and check"
The Indian government ordered major phone manufacturers to preload the state-owned Sanchar Saathi app on every smartphone and to push it via updates to already-sold devices within 90 days. The government described the app as a citizen-centric safety tool to block and track lost or stolen phones, identify and disconnect fraudulent numbers, report suspected scams, and verify used-device authenticity. The telecom ministry framed the move as a security measure against cybersecurity threats and rampant fraud and as a way to regulate the secondhand phone market. Opposition politicians and digital freedom groups raised surveillance and privacy concerns, and some tech firms have resisted compliance.
Read at www.theguardian.com
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