US EditionIndia Mandates Undeletable Government App on All Smartphones
India's Department of Telecommunications mandates Sanchar Saathi app on all smartphones to combat fraud, with over 5 million downloads aiding in blocking 3.7 million stolen devices, officials said.
- India's telecoms ministry ordered smartphone makers to preload the Sanchar Saathi app on new devices, which users cannot delete, as shown in a government order dated November 28.
- Manufacturers have 90 days to comply and must push updates for devices already in the supply chain, according to the ministry's order that was not publicly released.
- The Sanchar Saathi app has over 5 million downloads and has helped block more than 3.7 million stolen devices while terminating over 30 million fraudulent connections, as reported by the government.
- Apple's internal policies prevent the pre-installation of government apps, and it may negotiate for user options instead of mandatory pre-installation.
84 Articles
84 Articles
Congress terms DoT’s Sanchar Saathi pre-install order ‘unconstitutional’
New Delhi: The Congress has rejected the directions of the Department of Telecommunications on pre-installation of the Sanchar Saathi app in new mobile handsets as unconstitutional, and demanded its immediate rollback. Congress general secretary K C Venugopal said that the right to privacy is an intrinsic part of the fundamental right to life and liberty. “Big Brother cannot watch us. This DoT direction is beyond unconstitutional. The Right to P…
The Department of Telecommunications has mandated the pre-installation of the "Sanchar Saathi" app on all new mobile phones. This app must be visible during phone setup and cannot be disabled. The government claims this is aimed at preventing duplicate IMEIs, stolen phones, cyber fraud, and second-hand market fraud. Companies have been given a 90-day deadline to comply.
Centre directs pre-installation of Sanchar Saathi app in new phones for cybersecurity - The Tribune
According to the direction dated November 28, all mobile phones that will be manufactured in India or imported after 90 days from the date of issuing of the order will need to have the app.
Coverage Details
Bias Distribution
- 38% of the sources are Center
Factuality
To view factuality data please Upgrade to Premium
