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India Revokes Mandatory Sanchar Saathi App Installation

12/5/2025

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Summary

Story summary

India’s government has revoked the directive to pre-install the Sanchar Saathi app on all new devices.
The move follows backlash from privacy advocates, industry leaders, and the public over surveillance and consent concerns.
The app had 14 million users registered and roughly 2,000 daily fraud reports.
The telecom ministry said the app will be optional and uninstallable.
Digital rights groups welcomed the reversal but urged formal legal guidelines.

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Story summary

India’s government has revoked the directive to pre-install the Sanchar Saathi app on all new devices.
The move follows backlash from privacy advocates, industry leaders, and the public over surveillance and consent concerns.
The app had 14 million users registered and roughly 2,000 daily fraud reports.
The telecom ministry said the app will be optional and uninstallable.
Digital rights groups welcomed the reversal but urged formal legal guidelines.