In a significant policy shift, the Indian government has decided to make the pre-installation of its cybersecurity application, Sanchar Saathi, optional for mobile phone manufacturers. This move comes after the app witnessed substantial public adoption, crossing 1.4 crore (14 million) downloads.
From Mandate to Optional: A Shift in Strategy
The government, in its official notification on Wednesday, reversed its earlier directive that required smartphone makers to pre-load the Sanchar Saathi app on new devices. The initial mandate was introduced with the intent to provide widespread access to cybersecurity tools and protect citizens from online fraudsters, especially those less aware of digital threats.
The app's core function is to enable "Jan Bhagidari" (public participation) by allowing users to report fraudulent activities and bad actors in the cyber world. Authorities have clarified that the app is secure and serves no other purpose than user protection. Furthermore, users retain the right to uninstall the application at any time if they wish.
Rapid Adoption and Public Trust
The decision to drop the mandatory pre-installation rule follows impressive growth in the app's voluntary user base. Official data reveals that Sanchar Saathi users are now contributing information on approximately 2000 fraud incidents every day.
The uptake has accelerated dramatically recently. In just the last day before the announcement, a staggering 6 lakh (600,000) citizens registered to download the application. This represents a ten-fold increase in its daily adoption rate, which the government views as a strong affirmation of public faith in the tool.
Implications for Manufacturers and Users
With the mandate lifted, smartphone companies are no longer obligated to include Sanchar Saathi as a pre-installed application on their devices sold in India. This provides manufacturers with greater flexibility in configuring their devices' software.
For citizens, the app remains available for download through official app stores. The government's strategy now relies on the app's proven utility and growing popularity to drive further installations, rather than regulatory compulsion. The high download numbers suggest that the tool has found a receptive audience concerned about cybersecurity.
The government stated that the original mandate was aimed at accelerating the app's availability. Given its increasing acceptance among the populace, the authorities now believe voluntary adoption is sufficient to achieve the goal of a safer cyber ecosystem for all Indians.
