Image Source: Times of India
Telecom Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia stated the government is willing to review its directive mandating smartphone makers to preload the Sanchar Saathi cyber safety app, following feedback from opposition, industry, and users. The move addresses concerns over privacy, surveillance, and legal basis raised in Parliament and by OEMs like Apple.
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The Centre faces mounting pressure over its November 28 order requiring pre-installation of the state-run Sanchar Saathi app on new and existing smartphones, prompting a policy rethink. Telecom Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia informed Rajya Sabha today that the government remains open to revisiting the non-removable preload mandate based on stakeholder feedback, signaling flexibility amid a political storm.
Key Developments:
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Congress and other opposition parties labeled the app "Orwellian," filing adjournment motions demanding the legal basis under privacy laws and DPDP Act.
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Apple and OEMs pushed back, citing technical and consent issues; government clarified the app as "optional" post-install, though preloading persists.
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Designed to combat IMEI fraud and theft via blocking, but critics fear expanded surveillance on location and metadata.
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Scindia emphasized public safety goals while committing to dialogue, potentially easing the 90-day compliance deadline.
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This U-turn hints at balancing cybersecurity with digital rights in India's evolving tech policy landscape.
Sources: Hindustan Times, Economic Times, Moneycontrol (Dec 3, 2025 updates)
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