On Wednesday, India’s leading opposition party criticized a government initiative requiring the preloading of a state-operated app on smartphones, arguing it infringes on user privacy. The party demanded the government provide a rationale, highlighting growing concerns over surveillance.
According to a Monday report by Reuters, the Indian government has discreetly instructed companies like Apple, Samsung, and Xiaomi to install the Sanchar Saathi app, also known as Communication Partner, on their devices within 90 days.
The app aims to track and block stolen phones to prevent misuse. However, privacy advocates and critics of Prime Minister Narendra Modi have opposed the app, labeling it as a surveillance tool.
India’s Congress party on Wednesday requested a parliamentary debate on the “privacy and security risks” associated with the government’s directive.
Senior Congress leader Randeep Singh Surjewala expressed in a parliamentary notice, “The Government must clarify the legal basis for mandating a non-removable app.”
He further warned, “There is a significant concern that such a compulsory app might have backdoor access, compromising user data and privacy.”
India’s telecom ministry has justified the order as a move to counter “serious cyber security threats.”
As reported by Reuters on Tuesday, Apple intends to oppose the mandate to preload its devices with the government app and will communicate its objections to New Delhi.
