India’s Ministry of Telecommunications has directed smartphone manufacturers to preinstall a state-owned cybersecurity app called ‘Sanchar Saathi’ on all new devices within 90 days. The app, which cannot be deleted or disabled, is intended to help track and block lost or stolen phones and strengthen cyber threat prevention. However, privacy advocates and industry experts have raised concerns that the mandatory inclusion could compromise user privacy and data security. Companies such as Apple, Google, Samsung, and Xiaomi have yet to comment on the directive. Analysts suggest Apple may seek a compromise, possibly offering users an installation choice instead of a compulsory preinstall. The government maintains that the app’s purpose is purely protective, but critics argue that the inability to remove it raises surveillance and data misuse fears among users.