India’s directive of requiring all new smartphones to come preloaded with the government-backed Sanchar Saathi app has taken a new turn, with Union Minister of Communications, Jyotiraditya Scindia confirming that users will be allowed to delete the app if they wish. The clarification comes after days of backlash over concerns around privacy, surveillance and compulsory software installation. However, the shift is unlikely to sway Apple, which has reportedly refused to comply with the mandate.
For those unaware, the government initially asked the smartphone makers in the country to pre-install the Sanchar Saathi app or push it through an automatic software update, with no option for removal. The app is marketed as a security tool which helps the users to report lost or stolen phones, block devices via their IMEI numbers and flag span or fraud calls. However, the “undeletable” requirement immediately triggered criticism, especially from privacy advocates and smartphone makers.
Officials have now softened their stance, saying that while companies must still ensure the app reaches users’ phones, users will have the choice to uninstall it. The core mandate, pre-installation or auto-installation, still remains.
Despite the change, Apple’s position remains firm. As per Reuters, the company plans to tell the government it cannot implement such a requirement, arguing that forced installation of government apps undermines its privacy and security standards. Apple has maintained that it does not allow mandatory government apps in any market, and doing so in India would set a precedent it considers harmful to its ecosystem.
This standoff comes at a sensitive time for the company as well as the brand. India has now become one of the most important markets, not only in terms of sales but also as a fast expanding manufacturing base outside China. The dispute also adds to the company’s ongoing tussle with the Indian competition regulator, which has floated a potential Rs 38,000 crore antitrust penalty over App Store practices.
For now, the Sanchar Saathi directive remains in place but its future, specifically for iPhones in India, remains undecided. We may have to wait to see how it unfolds. On the other hand, Google has not yet commented on whether it will comply with the mandate or not.