Story perspectives

Apple Defies India's Sanchar Saathi App Mandate

12/3/2025

Summary

Story summary

Apple Inc. reportedly refuses to comply with India's directive mandating pre-installation of Sanchar Saathi app.
The Sanchar Saathi app cannot be removed by users and is designed to track stolen devices.
The Indian government says the app is essential to combat cyber fraud.
Privacy advocates and opposition politicians worry about surveillance and consent erosion risk.
Apple plans to share privacy concerns with the government and will not pursue legal action.

History

Historical Context

In 2023, India's government mandated the pre-installation of the Sanchar Saathi app on smartphones, echoing historical surveillance practices dating back to colonial times. This move raises privacy concerns reminiscent of the 2013 NSA revelations. With Telangana having 36 CCTV cameras per 1,000 people, the situation highlights ongoing tensions between digital rights and government oversight in a rapidly surveilled society.

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Story summary

Apple Inc. reportedly refuses to comply with India's directive mandating pre-installation of Sanchar Saathi app.
The Sanchar Saathi app cannot be removed by users and is designed to track stolen devices.
The Indian government says the app is essential to combat cyber fraud.
Privacy advocates and opposition politicians worry about surveillance and consent erosion risk.
Apple plans to share privacy concerns with the government and will not pursue legal action.

1 / 2