Indian order to preload state-owned app on smartphones sparks political outcry
NegativeWorld Affairs
- The Indian government has mandated that smartphone manufacturers, including major companies like Apple, Samsung, and Xiomi, preload the state-owned Sanchar Saathi cybersecurity app on all new devices within 90 days. This decision has sparked significant political backlash, with opposition MPs and activists expressing concerns over potential surveillance implications.
- The requirement to install the Sanchar Saathi app is positioned as a measure to enhance digital safety for users across India. However, the refusal of prominent tech companies to comply raises questions about the balance between national security and user privacy.
- This development highlights ongoing tensions in India regarding digital privacy and government surveillance. While the government promotes the app as a tool for cybersecurity, critics argue that it could infringe on individual freedoms, reflecting a broader global debate on the role of technology in governance and personal privacy.
— via World Pulse Now AI Editorial System
