India Abandons Mandatory Tracking App Following Apple’s Opposition

The Indian government has swiftly changed course on its decision to mandate Apple and other smartphone manufacturers to pre-install a tracking app on devices sold in the country.

Within just 48 hours, Indian authorities have reversed their stance, first allowing users to delete the app and now abandoning the requirement for manufacturers to preload the app on smartphones before sale. This shift comes after Apple refused to comply with the regulations.

Earlier this week, iDrop News reported that Apple was set to reject a government mandate that would have forced the inclusion of an undeletable tracking app, named “Sanchar Saathi,” on all iPhones sold in India. While the app was promoted as a tool for recovering lost or stolen devices, it also raised concerns over government surveillance and user privacy.

Initially seen as a negotiation tactic, Apple ultimately refused to adhere to the new rules, prompting India to backtrack on its initial insistence that the app be non-removable. The government had also sought to have major phone manufacturers pre-install the app, including Apple, Google, and Samsung.

Now, Indian officials have also abandoned the pre-installation mandate following public outcry and resistance from tech companies. The Indian telecom ministry revoked the order requiring the app to be preloaded on all smartphones sold in the country.

The Department of Telecommunications confirmed the reversal, which also included plans to push the app through mandatory software updates on existing devices. This move was met with concerns that it could extend to phones already in users’ possession.

Privacy advocates and rights groups welcomed India’s decision, with the Internet Freedom Foundation expressing cautious optimism until formal legal directions are issued.

The Sanchar Saathi app is currently available for voluntary installation on iPhones in the Indian App Store. It enables users to report lost or stolen devices, request IMEI blocking by carriers, and report fraudulent calls.

With over 1.2 billion subscribers, India’s smartphone market is among the largest globally. Officials claim the app has aided in the recovery of over 700,000 lost devices since its launch in January.

Apple’s resistance to India’s privacy-infringing regulations is seen as a positive development, especially given past instances of the company complying too readily with government demands.