Apple has refused to comply with the Indian government’s directive to preload the ‘Sanchar Saathi’ app on all new iPhones, citing concerns over iOS privacy and security. While the government maintains that the app is purely for cybersecurity and mobile safety, Apple plans to raise its objections directly with the authorities. Opposition parties and privacy advocates have also criticized the move, claiming it could increase government surveillance.
The Indian government instructed major smartphone manufacturers, including Apple, Samsung, and Xiaomi, to pre-install the Sanchar Saathi app on all new devices. The app is designed to:
Track and block lost or stolen mobile phones
Prevent misuse of devices
Enable users to report suspicious messages, spam, or fraudulent calls
The government emphasizes that the app is optional for users, can be uninstalled, and is not intended for monitoring or data collection.
According to reports, Apple believes that mandatory preloading could compromise iOS security and user privacy, posing a serious risk to the system. A company source described the directive as “not just heavy-handed, but like using a double-barrelled shotgun,” highlighting the potential implications for user trust and platform integrity.
Apple plans to formally communicate its objections to the Indian government, emphasizing that it does not accept such mandates in any other market worldwide.
Opposition parties and privacy activists have warned that the government’s move could give it access to over 730 million smartphone users, raising questions about digital surveillance and civil liberties. Despite these concerns, the government insists that the app’s primary purpose is safety and cybersecurity, not monitoring users.
The Sanchar Saathi app controversy highlights the growing debate between cybersecurity measures and user privacy, especially as governments attempt to enforce digital safety tools across millions of devices.
