Indian order to preload state-owned app on smartphones sparks political outcry
9 days ago
- #Technology
- #Privacy
- #Surveillance
- Indian government mandates pre-installation of Sanchar Saathi app on all smartphones, raising surveillance concerns.
- Apple reportedly refuses to comply due to security concerns, while other companies remain silent.
- Sanchar Saathi is described as a safety tool for blocking lost phones and checking registered connections.
- Opposition and activists criticize the move, calling it a violation of privacy and a surveillance tool.
- The app requires permissions like access to call logs, messages, and cameras, differing between iOS and Android.
- Government denies privacy implications, stating the app doesn't automatically capture personal information without consent.
- Communications minister clarifies that users can delete the app, contrary to initial reports of it being undeletable.