Concern as India orders phone manufacturers to preload govt app
Summary
India has mandated all smartphone manufacturers to pre-install the "Sanchar Saathi" government app, which cannot be removed, raising concerns about privacy and surveillance among users and rights advocates.
Key Points
- India has ordered all smartphone makers to pre-install the government cyber security app "Sanchar Saathi" on all devices used in India.
- The app is designed to help users block and track lost or stolen phones and identify fake mobile subscriptions.
- Privacy advocates and political opponents have raised concerns about potential state surveillance and infringement on personal privacy.
- The government requires the app to be visible and accessible at device setup and cannot be disabled or uninstalled.
