India’s communications ministry has instructed smartphone makers to pre-install a government-run cybersecurity application on all new devices, a move that has sparked debate over data privacy in one of the world’s largest mobile markets.

According to Monday’s directive, manufacturers must add the “Sanchar Saathi” app to every new handset within 90 days and ensure it cannot be deleted. The mandate also requires pushing the app onto existing phones through software updates, extending the requirement far beyond new models.

Officials say the app — designed to help block fraud, track lost or stolen phones and shut down fake mobile connections — is crucial for telecom security. The government says it has already attracted over 5 million downloads and assisted in recovering more than 700,000 devices.

But digital rights advocates warn the move undermines user consent and could open the door to expanded surveillance. MediaNama founder Nikhil Pahwa said that forcibly placing a government app on personal devices “takes away choice” and sets a precedent for future monitoring tools.

Telecom Minister Jyotiraditya M. Scindia insisted Tuesday that the system remains “voluntary,” saying users can delete the app — though the order also instructs manufacturers not to restrict its core functions, leaving key questions unanswered.

The policy may face resistance from global smartphone brands, including Apple, which prohibits pre-installing third-party apps, even from governments. Similar mandates in other countries have drawn criticism; Russia recently required all phones to pre-install the MAX messaging platform, which critics say facilitates state surveillance.

Source: AP