Summary
India has ordered all new smartphones to come with a state-run cybersecurity app called Sanchar Saathi pre-installed. This decision aims to improve mobile device security but has raised concerns about privacy and data access. Smartphone makers have 90 days to comply, and the app must be visible and cannot be disabled or removed.
Key Facts
- India’s government requires all new smartphones to pre-install the Sanchar Saathi app, which cannot be removed.
- Manufacturers have 90 days to ensure compliance with this order.
- The app helps users verify devices, report lost or stolen phones, and flag fraud.
- The order is intended to improve telecom cybersecurity and address issues like duplicate or spoofed device identities.
- India's second-hand mobile market faces challenges with illegal device resales.
- Privacy experts are concerned about the app’s broad permissions and potential data collection.
- Compliance may be challenging for manufacturers due to conflicting company policies.
- The app has reportedly helped recover over 700,000 lost phones.
