Delhi: Central Govt Smartphone companies have been directed to pre-install the Sanchar Saathi app in all upcoming smartphones. The companies have been given a period of 90 days for this. Apart from this, the government also advised mobile companies to install Sanchar Saathi app in older smartphones through software update. However, after a huge uproar by the opposition over the Sanchar Saathi app during the winter session of Parliament, the government has reversed its decision to pre-install the app.
According to reports, in view of the growing acceptance of Sanchar Saathi, the government has now decided to withdraw the requirement of making pre-installation mandatory for mobile phone manufacturers. The decision comes after two days of controversy surrounding the directive, which has raised serious privacy concerns.
Why did the government withdraw this order?
A government statement issued on Wednesday afternoon said the pre-installation order issued to phone companies is being withdrawn with immediate effect as users themselves are downloading the app at a rapid pace, with more than 600,000 downloads reported in the last 24 hours. According to the government, the pre-installation requirement was initially implemented to speed up the spread of this cybersecurity app and ensure its reach to as many people as possible.
When did the Sanchar app controversy start?
Controversy surrounding the Sanchar Saathi app arose when the central government directed all smartphone manufacturers, including global companies like Apple, to pre-install the app on every new phone sold in India. According to reports, some companies were preparing to legally challenge the order, as the directive also stated that the app cannot be removed or turned off easily. Opposition parties, digital rights activists and civil society groups launched a campaign against pre-installation of the app. According to him, mandating pre-installation of government apps on all devices is a direct attack on citizens’ right to privacy.
