Summary
The Indian government has ordered smartphone makers to pre-install a cybersecurity app on new phones to combat online scams and crimes. This app, called Sanchar Saathi, aims to prevent issues like phone theft and fraudulent connections. Apple and privacy advocates may resist the order due to concerns about user consent and privacy.
Key Facts
- India wants smartphone makers to pre-install a government cybersecurity app called Sanchar Saathi on new devices.
- The order was made on November 28 and companies have 90 days to comply.
- The app tackles issues like phone theft by using IMEI numbers to block stolen phones.
- Since its release, the app has been downloaded over five million times.
- Users cannot disable the app once it's installed on new phones.
- The app has helped block over 3.7 million stolen phones and more than 30 million fraudulent connections.
- Apple may resist this order due to its policies against pre-installing third-party apps.
- Privacy advocates are concerned about the lack of user consent in this directive.
