India revokes order to preload smartphones with state-owned security app

"India's government has backtracked on an order for all smartphones to be pre-installed with a state-owned security app after a mass outcry over privacy concerns and refusal by technology companies to comply. The department of telecommunications confirmed it had revoked its previous order for all technology companies to mandatorily install the government's Sanchar Saathi cybersecurity app on to every smartphone in India within 90 days."

"Apple and Google anonymously briefed the media that tech companies would be pushing back against the order as the move raised privacy concerns for their operating systems and violated internal policies. Outcry erupted in parliament on Wednesday, with opposition MPs accusing the government, led by the prime minister, Narendra Modi, of violating citizens' basic right to privacy. Randeep Singh Surjewala, from the opposition Indian National Congress party, said the app could be a possible kill switch that could turn every cell phone into a brick,"

"The initial order, given quietly to tech companies last week, landed the government in hot water after internet privacy groups and the political opposition raised concerns that the app could be used as a mass surveillance tool. Parallels have been made with an order made by the Russian government in August for an app called Max to be installed on all smartphones, sparking fears it was a mass surveillance tool."

The Indian government revoked an order requiring all smartphone manufacturers and technology companies to pre-install the Sanchar Saathi cybersecurity app within 90 days. The app allows users to block and track lost or stolen mobile phones and report fraudulent calls. Several major technology companies, including Apple and Google, refused to comply citing privacy concerns and internal policy violations. Internet privacy groups and opposition politicians warned the app could be used for mass surveillance and accused the government of violating citizens' right to privacy. Opposition leaders warned the app could function as a kill switch targeting journalists and dissidents. Parallels were drawn with a Russian mandate for a similar app.

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