In a significant policy shift, the Indian government has rolled back its earlier order that made it compulsory for all mobile phone manufacturers to pre-install the Sanchar Saathi cybersecurity application on new devices. The Ministry of Communications announced the decision, stating the move was prompted by the app's growing voluntary acceptance among citizens.
Why the Mandate Was Withdrawn
The government clarified its stance, explaining that the initial mandate was driven by the intent to provide universal access to cybersecurity tools. The Sanchar Saathi app is designed as a secure platform to help citizens protect themselves from malicious actors online. The Ministry emphasized that the app's sole function is user protection, and it can be uninstalled at any time by the user.
Officials highlighted the app's accelerating adoption rate as the key reason for making pre-installation non-mandatory. So far, 1.4 crore (14 million) users have downloaded the application. Its utility is evident from the fact that users are contributing information on approximately 2000 fraud incidents per day, fostering a system of 'Jan Bhagidari' or public participation in fighting cybercrime.
Rapid Adoption Signals Public Trust
The government's statement pointed to a remarkable surge in registrations, which solidified the decision. In just the last day before the announcement, 6 lakh (600,000) citizens registered to download the app, marking a tenfold increase in its daily uptake. This rapid growth was seen as a clear affirmation of public faith in the government-provided security tool.
The original mandate was envisioned as a measure to accelerate the app's reach, particularly among less digitally aware citizens, by making it readily available on new smartphones. However, with voluntary downloads skyrocketing, authorities deemed the compulsory pre-installation rule unnecessary.
Implications for Manufacturers and Users
This reversal brings relief to mobile device makers, who are no longer bound by the regulatory requirement to pre-load the app. For consumers, it means new phones will not come with the app by default, though it remains highly recommended and freely available for download on app stores.
The government's move underscores a flexible policy approach, where a mandate is withdrawn in response to positive public reception and behavioral trends. The focus now remains on continuing the awareness drive to encourage more Indians to use the Sanchar Saathi app voluntarily for a safer digital experience.
