India lets users delete pre-installed gov't app after backlash

India’s Ministry of Communications said users can delete the Sanchar Saathi app after facing criticism over its recent mandate to pre-install the software on all mobile phones.

The app, aimed at curbing cyber fraud and tracing lost or stolen phones, was ordered to be preloaded under a November 28 directive, sparking backlash from opposition leaders and privacy advocates over potential surveillance.

Communications Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia said installing the app is optional and users can remove it.

Government officials said the app requests access to phone call and text message logs, as well as camera permissions, but does not access the microphone, location, Bluetooth, or operating system.

Apple is reportedly considering resisting the mandate, while Google has not commented.

India has documented 14 million downloads of Sanchar Saathi and said 2.6 million lost or stolen phones have been traced using the app.

🔗 Source: Bloomberg

🧠 Food for thought

Implications, context, and why it matters.

India’s preinstall order creates confusion for OEMs

On Nov. 28, the Department of Telecommunications (DoT), the government’s telecom department under the Ministry of Communications, sent an order to manufacturers to pre‑install the Sanchar Saathi app on new devices 1. Communications minister Jyotiraditya Scindia said installation is optional and users can delete the app.
The order requires preinstallation on new devices and a software update to existing devices within 90 days 1. It says users cannot disable the app, which conflicts with Scindia’s comment.
India shipped 70 million smartphones in 1H25 2. Media and industry reports do not explain enforcement or penalties for any retroactive push 1 2.
Government officials say the app asks for phone call logs, text message logs, and camera access; it does not access the microphone or location, and it stays off Bluetooth or the operating system. Apple has reportedly considered resisting the mandate.

Privacy‑first vendors can win OEM deals

Vendors that build fraud‑prevention and mobile security software can pitch privacy‑preserving tools to OEMs amid backlash, with offline channels at 56.4% in Q3 2025 3. Focus on retail‑heavy vivo and OPPO, plus Samsung and Apple 3.
Apple shipped 5 million units in Q3 2025 and reached 5.9 million in 1H25 3 2, making it a prospect for enterprise‑grade security fitting its privacy stance.
The premium segment at US$600 to US$800 grew 43.3% YoY to 6% share in Q3 2025 3, creating room for premium‑priced offerings aimed at Samsung’s 31% slice in super‑premium and at OnePlus in mid‑premium 3.