In a significant reversal, the Indian government on Wednesday withdrew its controversial directive that made the pre-installation of the Sanchar Saathi application mandatory on all new smartphones. The move comes after the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) faced intense criticism from global smartphone manufacturers, industry bodies, and opposition parties.
Government Backtracks Amidst Growing Controversy
The Department of Telecom issued a statement formally withdrawing its November 21 order, which had taken the mobile industry by surprise. While stepping back from the mandate, the government defended the utility of the Sanchar Saathi app, stating its intent was to provide cyber security access to all citizens. The official statement clarified that given the app's increasing acceptance, the pre-installation would no longer be compulsory for device makers.
Officials admitted that the strength of the reaction caught the government off guard. The pushback wasn't limited to political opponents but included major global players like Apple and Samsung, who had expressed strong displeasure with what they viewed as a diktat and indicated they would resist the move.
App's Popularity and Political Firestorm
Even while announcing the withdrawal, the government highlighted the Sanchar Saathi app's growing user base, claiming over 1.4 crore downloads and a recent surge in registrations. It stated that nearly 6 lakh citizens registered to download the app in a single day prior to the reversal, marking a tenfold increase in uptake.
The controversy had spilled into Parliament, where Communications Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia defended the app hours before the U-turn was announced. Responding to Congress MP Deepender Singh Hooda in the Lok Sabha, Scindia asserted in Hindi that the app had no potential for snooping and that no snooping would occur.
However, the Congress party remained unconvinced. Party spokesman Pawan Khera accused the government of attempting to establish a surveillance state, comparing Sanchar Saathi for common citizens to the Pegasus spyware for VIPs. He labeled Scindia's clarification as a blatant lie, pointing to the directive's clause that prevented users from removing the app or disabling its functionalities.
Industry Welcomes Consultative Approach
The withdrawal was welcomed by the industry, particularly the India Cellular and Electronics Association (ICEA). The body praised the decision as balanced and pragmatic, emphasizing that it protects consumers while ensuring smooth implementation by manufacturers. The ICEA stressed the importance of comprehensive stakeholder consultations to ensure future digital security policies are inclusive, technically sound, and aligned with ground realities.
This episode underscores the delicate balance governments must strike between enhancing citizen cybersecurity and addressing concerns over digital mandates and market autonomy. The government's swift reversal highlights the influence of coordinated feedback from both domestic and international technology stakeholders.
