India’s main opposition party has intensified criticism of a government directive requiring smartphone manufacturers to preload a state-run cyber safety app, warning that the move threatens user privacy and could enable state surveillance. The dispute escalates broader concerns around data protection at a time when smartphone adoption and digital services are central to everyday life in India.
According to earlier reports, the Indian government has quietly ordered phone makers — including Apple, Samsung and Xiaomi — to install the app, called Sanchar Saathi, on all new devices sold in the country within 90 days. The app is designed to locate and disable stolen phones, limiting the risk of misuse. However, civil liberties groups and political opponents argue that the mandatory installation raises red flags about how user data may be accessed, retained or monitored.
On Wednesday, the Congress party called on lawmakers to formally debate the directive in India’s upper house of parliament. Senior party leader Randeep Singh Surjewala said the government must explain the legal basis for forcing companies to include a non-removable app on smartphones. He warned that users fear the software could operate as a surveillance channel, compromising both personal information and digital privacy. Critics say a mandatory app with no ability to uninstall undermines the democratic principle of consent.
Privacy advocates point to India’s uneven regulatory environment for data use and surveillance tools. While the country has taken steps toward implementing rules that govern data storage and processing, experts say oversight remains inconsistent. Opponents argue that a government-imposed app could bypass accountability, especially if it collects sensitive information or relies on undisclosed system permissions.
The telecom ministry defended the mandate, describing the requirement as a security measure aimed at tackling “serious endangerment” caused by cybercrime. India has reported rapid growth in smartphone theft, identity fraud, and digital financial scams in recent years. Government officials claim Sanchar Saathi is an efficient way to help users quickly block stolen devices, reducing criminal activity and protecting consumers.
Still, tech companies appear uneasy with the directive. Reuters reported that Apple does not plan to comply and will formally express its concerns to New Delhi. The company is known for resisting government demands that, in its view, undermine its privacy standards. Its refusal sets up a potential clash with Indian authorities at a time when Apple is actively expanding its manufacturing footprint in the country.
The situation could also pose challenges for other smartphone companies. Global brands face growing pressure to respect local laws while maintaining international privacy practices. A mandate that requires pre-installed software — especially one that cannot be removed — may conflict with corporate policies and consumer expectations.
The controversy lands in the middle of ongoing debates about digital rights in India. Activists have long argued that surveillance powers are expanding with limited transparency. The mandate has fueled fears that the government may move toward deeper digital monitoring without sufficient safeguards.
Whether the app ultimately enhances public safety or deepens surveillance concerns will largely depend on how it functions, what data it accesses, and how that information is managed. For now, the opposition is demanding answers, and technology companies may have to choose between compliance and principle as pressure mounts.
