India’s telecom ministry has issued a new order. It has told smartphone manufacturers to pre-install a government app on all new phones. The app is called “Sanchar Saathi.” This move has raised serious concerns about privacy and user consent in one of the world’s largest mobile markets.

The Ministry of Communications released the order on Monday. It gave phone makers 90 days to follow the rule. It also told them to make sure users cannot delete the app. In addition, the order asked companies to push the app to older phones through software updates. This means even current users could receive it automatically.

The government says the app is important. It claims the app helps in “curbing misuse of telecom resources for cyber frauds and ensuring telecom cyber security.”

What the app does

The “Sanchar Saathi” app launched in January. It allows users to block and track lost or stolen phones. It also helps find fake or illegal mobile connections. So far, more than 5 million people have downloaded it. Government data says it has helped recover over 700,000 lost devices.

Privacy experts raise alarm

However, privacy advocates have strongly criticised the order. They say it removes user choice and opens the door for future surveillance.

“This is the beginning. It is government testing the waters,” said Nikhil Pahwa, a digital policy expert and founder of MediaNama. “Once a government app is forcibly pre-installed on our devices, what’s to stop them from pushing future apps that could be used for surveillance?”

He also warned that the app’s powers could expand in the future. According to him, it could later “access device status.” He added another strong concern.

“Phones are our personal spaces. We have a choice to have what we want on them. Here the government is taking away that choice,” he said.

Minister responds to criticism

On Tuesday, Telecom Minister Jyotiraditya M. Scindia responded to the backlash. He described the app as a “voluntary and democratic system.” He said users could choose whether to activate it. He also claimed that people can “easily delete it from their phone at any time.”

However, he did not explain an important part of the order. The document told phone companies to make sure the app’s “functionalities are not disabled or restricted.” This line has increased doubts about whether users will actually have full control.

Smartphone companies may resist

The order could create trouble for some companies. Apple, for example, does not allow third-party apps to be pre-installed on its devices. This includes government apps. Other brands could also object to the new rule because it changes how they design and sell phones in India.

Similar actions in other countries

Other countries have taken similar steps. In Russia, authorities have pushed the MAX messaging service onto phones. It must be pre-installed on all smartphones. Critics say the app works as a surveillance tool. They point out that MAX openly agrees to give user data to officials when asked.

Because of this global trend, concerns in India have grown even stronger.

Security versus freedom debate

The government says it is acting to stop cyber fraud and protect users. But critics argue that safety should not come at the cost of privacy and consent.

As the 90-day deadline moves closer, pressure will increase. The decision could shape the future of digital rights and personal freedom in India.