The Centre has withdrawn its order directing smartphone makers to pre-install the Sanchar Saathi cybersecurity app, citing a ten-fold rise in voluntary downloads. The November 28 mandate had stirred political controversy, with opposition parties alleging potential snooping risks
Union IT Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia clarified that the Sanchar Saathi app is optional and can be deleted amid rising privacy concerns. The Centre’s pre-installation order has drawn criticism, even as the government says the move aims to curb cyber fraud
