New Rule Sparks Concerns for Apple and Privacy Advocates
India’s telecom ministry has quietly issued a new directive requiring all smartphone makers to preload a government-owned cyber safety app on new devices — and users will not be allowed to delete it. The order, viewed by Reuters, is expected to create tension with Apple and raise questions about user privacy.
One of the World’s Biggest Mobile Markets
India is among the largest mobile markets globally, with over 1.2 billion subscribers. Government data shows that the cyber safety app, launched in January, has already helped recover more than 700,000 lost phones, including 50,000 devices in October alone.
The order affects major brands including:
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Apple
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Samsung
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Vivo
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Oppo
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Xiaomi
These companies must now comply with the new requirement.
What the Government Order Says
The directive, dated November 28, gives smartphone manufacturers 90 days to ensure that the Sanchar Saathi app is pre-installed on all new devices. The order also states that the app cannot be disabled by users.
For devices that are already in the distribution pipeline, companies must push the app via a software update. The order was not publicly released but was sent privately to selected smartphone makers.
Reason Behind the Mandatory App
According to the telecom ministry, the app is essential for fighting growing cyber threats linked to:
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Fake or duplicate IMEI numbers
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Phone scams
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Network misuse
These issues pose a “serious danger” to the country’s telecom security, the government said.
Apple Expected to Resist Mandatory Preloading
Apple’s operating system, iOS, powers about 4.5% of India’s 735 million smartphones as of mid-2025, while most others run on Android, according to Counterpoint Research.
However, Apple typically does not allow pre-installation of government or third-party apps before sale due to its internal policies. A source told Reuters that Apple has historically rejected such government requests.
Analysts say Apple may attempt to negotiate a middle path — such as suggesting a user prompt instead of a forced pre-install.
Google, Samsung, Xiaomi, and India’s telecom ministry did not respond to requests for comment.
How the App Works
An IMEI number — a unique 14- to 17-digit identifier for every device — is used to block stolen phones from accessing networks.
The Sanchar Saathi app allows users to:
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Report suspicious calls
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Verify IMEI numbers
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Block stolen phones through a centralized system
So far, the app has achieved:
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5+ million downloads
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3.7 million stolen or lost phones blocked
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Over 30 million fraudulent mobile connections terminated
Government Says the App Boosts Cyber Safety
According to officials, the app helps:
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Prevent cyber threats
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Track and block lost or stolen devices
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Assist police investigations
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Reduce the circulation of counterfeit phones
Authorities say this tool strengthens India’s digital safety framework while protecting users from mobile-based fraud.
