In a significant development, the Indian government has signaled its willingness to reconsider a controversial directive that made it mandatory for smartphone companies to pre-install the state-developed Sanchar Saathi cybersecurity application. The announcement came from Telecom Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia in Parliament on Wednesday, December 3, 2025, following widespread backlash over privacy and surveillance concerns.
Government's Stance and Industry Pushback
Minister Scindia stated, "...if we have to bring about a change in the order based on the feedback we receive, we are ready for it." He directly addressed fears of state surveillance, asserting, "Neither is snooping possible, nor will it be done." This statement marks a potential softening of the government's position after the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) issued a firm order on November 28, 2025.
The original directive required all smartphone manufacturers and importers to preload the Sanchar Saathi app on new devices. It also mandated that the app be pushed to existing phones via a software update. Crucially, the order stated that the app's functions could not be disabled or restricted by users or manufacturers.
However, this move faced immediate resistance. Major global tech giants, including Apple and Google, are reportedly planning to formally challenge the directive. Industry sources indicate that these companies have no precedent for preloading state-owned applications on their devices anywhere in the world. They argue that compliance would force them to create customized versions of their iOS and Android operating systems specifically for the Indian market, posing significant operational challenges.
Clarifications and Contradictions
The government's messaging has appeared contradictory, adding to the confusion. On Tuesday, December 2, Minister Scindia had clarified that the Sanchar Saathi app was voluntary and deletable. He described it as a tool for digital security, emphasizing user freedom. "Users have complete freedom to activate, or delete the app at any time, ensuring safety without compromising privacy," he said.
This statement, however, directly conflicted with the DoT's order, which explicitly prevented disabling the app's functions. When questioned on how an app could be deleted if its functions cannot be disabled, Scindia did not provide a clarification. A senior government official later explained that the clause aimed to prevent manufacturers from installing a non-functional or hidden version of the app, not to stop end-users from deleting it.
Privacy Concerns and the Road Ahead
The debate has ignited serious concerns among privacy advocates, opposition lawmakers, and civil society. Critics argue that mandatory pre-installation undermines user choice and consent, fundamental principles of digital rights. There is also apprehension about 'functional creeping'—where the app's capabilities could be expanded beyond its original purpose of reporting fraudulent calls, messages, and stolen phones in the future.
The government's openness to amendment suggests that the final implementation of the Sanchar Saathi mandate may see revisions. The feedback from smartphone companies, digital rights groups, and the public will likely shape the next steps. As India balances its cybersecurity objectives with the privacy expectations of its citizens and the global tech industry, this policy remains a critical issue to watch.
