Apple Privacy: India Pushes for a Government-Mandated App

There are many apps today. And with every app, there are settings to configure. There are also apps you need to uninstall because they pose a privacy risk, especially pre-installed ones.

India is ordering phone manufacturers, including Apple, to pre-install a government app without providing the option to delete it. This raises privacy concerns, cybersecurity risks, and freedom of choice.

Researchers have found pre-installed apps that have high-level access to Android systems and privacy-invasive features. These apps are not from official app stores, allowing them to bypass security checks. Luckily, we can delete some of these apps. But what about those government-mandated apps?

India’s Ministry of Communications is demanding that every mobile device come with the Sanchar Saathi pre-installed. Additionally, older devices will be forced to have the app installed through a future software update.

According to India’s Department of Telecommunications, the app prevents spoofing and the duplication of IMEI numbers, protecting users from scams and fraud.

The app has other features, including:

• Reporting of suspected fraud
• Tracking of stolen devices, connections, and ISPs
• Verification of contacts and incoming calls

The government of India stated that the app has already been downloaded 5 million times since January 2025.

On November 28, in an order that was privately sent, companies were given 90 days to ensure that the app would be pre-installed on mobile phones. Additionally, it was ordered that users shouldn't have the option to delete the app.

Why is this a problem?

The main problem with this is that there's no option to delete the app. Additionally, it prevents users from exercising their freedom of choice—to choose an alternative app they deem safer or more effective.

As stated by Mishi Choudhary, a lawyer and an advocate on internet issues, this order “removes user consent as a meaningful choice.”

Think about it, what would you be able to do if the app becomes a privacy risk or ineffective? Nothing, because you wouldn't be able to delete it.

Apple is known for being a privacy-centric brand. It has opposed similar orders or government-mandated apps in the past. Thus, it won't be surprising if Apple also resists the Sanchar Saathi app.

Other companies might also fight the order, understanding that by allowing one government to install apps, more governments will try to do the same. Additionally, government apps are often not designed within Apple's security and privacy guidelines, which might make them unsafe.

Experts say that companies like Apple will likely aim for a middle ground and ask that instead of making the app pre-installed and mandatory, users should just be guided towards the app and have the option of whether or not to install it.

There are a few more risks with pre-installed apps, such as the following:

• Security Flaws: Many of these apps fail to undergo standard checks by manufacturers or app stores. So, they might come with vulnerabilities that could result in malware, insecure communication, and exposure of encryption keys.
  
• Privacy Invasion: Apps come with many requests for access to your location, contacts, and other information. Mandatory pre-installed apps could give the government more information than necessary. And without an option to opt out, users could be at risk of unnecessary surveillance and data misuse.

If the government-mandated app proceeds to happen, regular users can still minimize the risks.

One way is by turning off unnecessary permissions or features where possible. Make sure the app is not collecting more information than necessary.

You can also support the fight for privacy by signing petitions or supporting advocacy groups. Contact representatives to share your frustrations and ideas.

In case the app becomes mandated, and the deletion is not possible, you can consider choosing other manufacturers—those that are not complying.

On the whole, India’s orders raise concerns about privacy and the freedom of choice. While the app aims to help users, the order to make it mandatory and can't be deleted goes against our freedom of choice. Additionally, there are privacy risks that should be considered.

What’s the Apple Siri privacy controversy?

Despite being a champion for privacy, Apple has had a couple of issues. One example was the allegations that Siri recorded user conversations without consent, which Apple settled for $95 million.

How do you turn off microphone access on an iPhone?

Here are the steps to turn off microphone access: 1) go to Settings, 2) select Privacy and Security, 3) pick Microphone, and 4) toggle off the apps you don't want to have access to the microphone.

What is the pre-installed messaging app in Russia?

The app is called Max. It was promoted on July 15, 2025, by the Russian government, calling it the “national messenger.” As of September, this app has been pre-installed on every smartphone sold in Russia. The Russian communications authority is also restricting the use of Telegram and WhatsApp.