Mon Dec 01 15:39:56 UTC 2025: India Mandates Pre-Installation of Cybersecurity App on Smartphones, Sparking Potential Clash with Apple

New Delhi – India’s telecom ministry has issued a directive requiring all smartphone manufacturers to pre-install the state-owned “Sanchar Saathi” cybersecurity app on all new devices, a move that could lead to a confrontation with Apple and other tech giants.

The order, dated November 28th and reviewed by Reuters, mandates that companies like Apple, Samsung, Vivo, Oppo, and Xiaomi, ensure the app is pre-loaded and non-disablable on new phones within 90 days. For existing devices already in the supply chain, the app is to be pushed via software updates.

The “Sanchar Saathi” app, launched in January, is designed to combat telecom cybersecurity threats, particularly those stemming from duplicate or spoofed IMEI numbers used in scams and network misuse. The app allows users to report suspicious calls, verify IMEIs, and block stolen devices. Government figures indicate the app has facilitated the recovery of over 700,000 lost phones.

While the Indian government claims the app is crucial for preventing cyber threats and assists in tracking and blocking stolen phones, the move has sparked concern from industry sources, who claim that there were no consultations with companies before the order was issued.

Apple, known for its strict control over its ecosystem and reluctance to pre-install third-party apps, could be the biggest hurdle. Apple’s policies reportedly prohibit pre-installation of any government or third-party applications before the sale of a smartphone.

Neither the telecom ministry nor Apple, Samsung, or Xiaomi have responded to requests for comment.

The government states that the app has had over 5 million downloads since its launch, helping block more than 3.7 million stolen or lost mobile phones and terminate over 30 million fraudulent connections.

The outcome of this mandate remains uncertain, potentially setting the stage for a significant debate on data privacy, security, and government control over mobile devices in one of the world’s largest smartphone markets.

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