The Indian government has required the pre-installation of the Sanchar Saathi app on every mobile device, with the goal of “empowering” users through cybersecurity measures. Nonetheless, this initiative has sparked worries about possible misuse due to the extensive data access that the app necessitates. The app, currently available on both the Play Store and App Store with over 10 million downloads, requires permissions such as phone state, SMS, camera, call logs, and storage. Once it is installed, it cannot be turned off or removed, which raises concerns about privacy. Manufacturers, including brands like Apple and Android, have a 90-day period to adhere to this requirement, but the reactions from companies such as Google, Vivo, Xiaomi, and OnePlus suggest that they are still evaluating the directive. This scenario underscores the conflict between cybersecurity initiatives and user privacy rights.
