User consent is increasingly under threat, especially regarding the control over which apps are installed on your device. India recently announced a new requirement for all smartphone manufacturers to pre-install a government-mandated app that cannot be deleted. This move adds to ongoing privacy battles faced by Apple and other tech companies, raising concerns about user rights and data security.

India’s New Mandate for the Sanchar Saathi App

Last week, India’s Ministry of Communications privately demanded that manufacturers pre-install the Sanchar Saathi app on all mobile devices within 90 days. This requirement applies not only to new devices sold in India but also to existing devices through future software updates. Discussions about this plan have been ongoing among India, Apple, and Google throughout the year, though the official mandate was not publicly announced until now.

The Sanchar Saathi app is designed to help prevent duplication and spoofing of IMEI numbers, which are unique identifiers for mobile devices. By doing so, it aims to protect users from scams, fraud, and help track stolen or counterfeit devices. The app is available both as a mobile application and a web portal, allowing users to report fraud, track devices, block stolen phones, and verify caller authenticity.

Implications for Privacy and Tech Companies

Since January, the Sanchar Saathi app has been downloaded over 5 million times, with the government claiming it has helped recover more than 700,000 lost devices. The app operates via a central registrar accessed by network providers, which can also disable network access for flagged devices.

Apple has historically resisted similar government mandates to pre-install apps, citing concerns over user privacy and the potential for increased surveillance. Experts warn that once one government gains the ability to install such apps, others may follow, potentially compromising device security and user autonomy.

According to internet advocacy lawyer Mishi Choudhary, the government’s demand “effectively removes user consent as a meaningful choice.” While Apple continues to oppose these mandates, the company must comply with local laws—raising questions about whether such compliance creates security vulnerabilities or backdoors, as seen in other regions like China and the UK.

Inspired by

• https://www.computerworld.com/article/4098695/apple-faces-a-new-privacy-fight-in-india.html

Sources

• apple.com
• reuters.com
• gov.in
• co.uk
• gulfnews.com