India will no longer require smartphone makers to preinstall its state-run 'cybersecurity' app
NeutralTechnology

- India has announced that it will no longer require smartphone manufacturers to preinstall its state-run cybersecurity app, Sanchar Saathi, on devices. This decision follows significant public backlash and privacy concerns raised by various stakeholders, including political parties and tech companies.
- The reversal of this mandate is significant as it reflects the government's responsiveness to public sentiment and privacy issues, which had been a major point of contention among users and manufacturers alike. The initial requirement aimed to enhance national security amid rising cybercrime.
- This development highlights ongoing debates around privacy and government surveillance in India, as well as the challenges faced by the government in balancing national security with individual rights. The initial push for the app was met with skepticism from major tech companies, indicating a broader concern over user autonomy and data protection.
— via World Pulse Now AI Editorial System