New Delhi: The central government on Wednesday announced the withdrawal of its order requiring all smartphone manufacturers to pre-install the Sanchar Saathi cybersecurity app on devices sold in India. The decision comes after widespread protests from opposition leaders, civil society activists, and privacy advocates, who raised concerns that the mandate could potentially infringe on citizens’ privacy rights.
The initial directive had included global smartphone makers, including Apple, which was reportedly preparing a legal challenge against the mandate. The government clarified that the pre-installation order was originally intended to accelerate the adoption of the app, which has already seen over six lakh downloads in 24 hours and 1.4 crore users overall. Communications Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia emphasized that the app can be uninstalled at the user’s discretion, and its sole function is to protect citizens from cyber threats.
“The Sanchar Saathi app is designed to provide cybersecurity awareness and protection from malicious actors online,” the ministry stated. “It has no function other than safeguarding users, and citizens retain the right to remove it from their devices.” Scindia also reiterated in the Lok Sabha that the app does not facilitate spying or snooping, countering public apprehensions and echoes of past spyware controversies such as the Pegasus scandal.
The withdrawal follows two days of sustained criticism from political leaders and digital rights activists. Congress MPs Priyanka Gandhi Vadra and Karti Chidambaram were vocal in their opposition, with Gandhi Vadra calling the directive “ridiculous” and accusing the government of moving toward authoritarian practices, while Chidambaram likened the measure to surveillance tactics in Russia and North Korea. Priyanka Chaturvedi of the Shiv Sena referred to it as “another BIG BOSS surveillance moment,” reflecting growing public unease over digital privacy.
Scindia responded to the criticisms by stating that the government’s goal was to enhance accessibility and public participation in cybersecurity initiatives. “The success of the app depends on citizen engagement. We have listened to the feedback and are now adjusting the order accordingly,” he said, emphasizing that users have full autonomy over the app.
Developed by the Department of Telecommunications (DoT), the Sanchar Saathi app serves as a digital security and awareness platform. Available on both Android and iOS devices, as well as via a web portal, the app helps users manage their digital identities, monitor suspicious activities, safeguard their devices, and access educational material related to telecom safety and cyber threats. The platform has been part of the government’s broader push to strengthen cyber hygiene and awareness among Indian citizens.
The rollback signals a balance between promoting digital security and respecting individual privacy rights, reflecting the government’s responsiveness to public and political concerns. With the app now optional, authorities hope that voluntary adoption will continue to rise without triggering fears of state surveillance.