India orders device makers to put government-run security app on all phones

Ars TechnicaTuesday, December 2, 2025 at 9:36:50 PM
NegativeTechnology
India orders device makers to put government-run security app on all phones
  • India has mandated that all smartphone manufacturers must pre-install a state-owned cybersecurity app, Sanchar Saathi, on new devices. This requirement aims to enhance national security and protect user data amid rising cybercrime concerns.
  • Apple's refusal to comply with this mandate by not preloading the app on iPhones highlights the company's stance on user privacy and data security. This decision could impact Apple's market presence in India, a significant market for smartphone sales.
  • The move to enforce the installation of a government-run app raises broader discussions about privacy, surveillance, and the balance between national security and individual rights. Critics express concerns about the implications of mandatory software that cannot be deleted, reflecting ongoing tensions between tech companies and government regulations.
— via World Pulse Now AI Editorial System

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