• India has revoked its order to preload a state-run cybersecurity app on smartphones.
• The decision came after significant backlash from opposition parties and privacy advocates.
• Apple and Samsung were reportedly preparing to resist complying with the original mandate.
• The government described the app as a tool against cyber threats and phone theft.
• Political leaders criticized the potential for increased surveillance with the mandatory app install.

The Indian government has officially revoked its order requiring smartphone manufacturers, including Apple, Samsung, and Xiaomi, to pre-load a state-run cybersecurity app called Sanchar Saathi, following considerable backlash. The communications ministry announced that the pre-installation will no longer be mandatory, a move influenced by protests from opposition parties and privacy advocates who expressed concerns about potential surveillance. The original mandate was introduced as a measure to combat cyber threats and phone thefts, according to Channel News Asia.

The controversy surrounding the app intensified as many questioned the government's authority to enforce such mandatory installations. Opposition leaders and various newspaper editorials voiced their apprehensions, highlighting the risks associated with a non-removable app that could potentially compromise user data privacy. Senior Congress leader Randeep Singh Surjewala stated in parliament that there had to be clarification regarding the legal authority for mandating the app, calling for a formal debate on the privacy implications, according to Dawn and The Jakarta Post.