India’s Department of Telecommunications issued a directive on November 28, 2025, requiring all new smartphones sold in India to come preloaded with the government-developed cyber safety application Sanchar Saathi, which users cannot disable or remove. This policy affects all phone manufacturers operating in the Indian market, including Apple, Samsung, Vivo, Oppo, and Xiaomi, with companies given a 90-day implementation deadline. This measure has sparked intense debate between enhancing cybersecurity and infringing on privacy rights.
Policy Content and Implementation Timeline
According to Business Standard’s report, the directive issued by India’s Department of Telecommunications (DoT) on November 28, 2025, sets a clear implementation timeline for phone manufacturers.
Core Requirements
Mandatory Preloading
- All newly sold smartphones must come preloaded with Sanchar Saathi application
- App must be installed at factory
- Users cannot remove or disable it
- Applies to all operating systems (Android, iOS, etc.)
Implementation Deadline
- Directive issued: November 28, 2025
- Implementation period: 90 days (3 months)
- Deadline: End of February 2026
- No exemption clauses
Existing Inventory Handling
- Devices already in supply chain must also comply
- Push app via software updates
- Ensure post-update non-removability
- Applies to all unsold devices
According to The Star’s report, this is the first time the Indian government has required mandatory preloading of a non-removable government application, drawing high industry attention.
Major Affected Manufacturers
International Brands
- Apple: ~7% market share, high-end market leader
- Samsung: ~20% market share, full product line coverage
- Vivo: ~16% market share, strong mid-range presence
- Oppo: ~10% market share, youth-oriented
Chinese Brands
- Xiaomi: ~18% market share, one of India’s market leaders
- Realme: ~8% market share, fast-growing brand
- OnePlus: High-end market competitor
Other Brands
- Various Android brand vendors
- Local brands
- White-label phone manufacturers
Sanchar Saathi Application Features
Core Functions and Results
Stolen Phone Tracking
- Helped recover over 700,000 stolen or lost phones
- Recovered 50,000 phones in October alone
- Integrated with IMEI database
- Real-time location tracking
Counterfeit Phone Detection
- Blocked over 3.7 million stolen or lost phones
- Validates IMEI legitimacy
- Prevents counterfeit phone circulation
- Protects consumer rights
Fake SIM Card Management
- Terminated over 30 million fake connections
- Prevents fraud
- Protects user identity security
- Reduces telecom fraud
User Adoption
- Downloads exceeded 5 million
- Government data shows high usage rates
- Success stories continue accumulating
- Overall positive user feedback
According to TelecomTalk’s analysis, Sanchar Saathi’s actual results provide the government with a basis for promoting mandatory preloading.
Technical Architecture and Integration
Database Connectivity
- Integrated with national IMEI database
- Real-time data synchronization
- Cross-carrier information sharing
- Centralized management system
Privacy Protection Claims
- Government emphasizes data encryption
- Used only for lawful enforcement purposes
- User consent mechanism
- Data retention period regulations
System Requirements
- Network connectivity required
- Regular data updates
- Background service operation
- Battery and performance impact
Privacy Controversy and Industry Backlash
Privacy Concerns
Government Surveillance Capability
- App has device tracking capability
- May access sensitive information
- Non-removability raises surveillance concerns
- Lack of independent oversight mechanism
Data Security Risks
- Massive user data concentration
- Data breach risks
- Abuse possibilities
- Third-party access issues
User Autonomy
- Deprives users of choice
- Forced installation infringes freedom
- Cannot disable basic functions
- Violates voluntary principle
Technology.org points out that this policy has sparked criticism about “India wanting phones to come with unremovable government tracking app.”
Apple’s Special Position
Company Policy Conflict
- Apple’s internal policies explicitly prohibit installing any government or third-party applications before smartphones reach consumers
- This directly conflicts with India’s requirements
- Product experience consistency principle
- Global standardization strategy
Previous Conflict Experience
- Previously locked horns with India’s telecom regulator over anti-spam app development
- Cautious about government-mandated app installation
- Emphasizes user privacy and data security
- Strict App Store review standards
Possible Response Strategies
- Seeking policy exemption
- Technical compromise solutions
- Distribution through App Store
- Providing alternative solutions
According to sources familiar with Apple’s operations, this policy fundamentally conflicts with Apple’s core principles.
Industry Concerns
Increased Costs
- Software integration costs
- Testing and validation expenses
- Supply chain adjustments
- Maintenance and update costs
Limited Product Differentiation
- Device standardization
- Reduced brand uniqueness
- User experience consistency challenges
- Diminished competitive advantages
Technical Challenges
- Different operating system integration
- Ensuring non-removability
- Minimizing performance impact
- Various model compatibility
Market Impact
- Consumer backlash risk
- Brand image damage
- High-end market loss
- Gray market emergence
International Perspective and Comparison
Similar Global Policies
China Model
- Multiple government and carrier apps preloaded
- Content censorship and monitoring tools
- Users accustomed to it
- National security justification
EU Stance
- Emphasizes user choice
- Opposes forced preloading
- GDPR privacy protection
- Users can freely remove apps
U.S. Approach
- Carriers can preload apps
- But users usually can remove them
- Federal government doesn’t mandate
- Market mechanism dominates
Russia Requirements
- Since 2019 requires preloading domestic apps
- Sparked similar controversy
- Foreign brands comply with execution
- Some apps removable
India’s Digital Sovereignty Strategy
Localization Push
- Reduce dependence on foreign technology
- Develop local digital ecosystem
- Data sovereignty emphasis
- National security priority
Regulatory Trends
- Strengthen regulation of tech companies
- Data localization requirements
- Content censorship intensity
- Expanded enforcement powers
Balancing Challenges
- Innovation vs. regulation balance
- Attracting investment vs. regulatory control
- Privacy protection vs. security needs
- Globalization vs. localization
Legal and Constitutional Controversy
Legitimacy Questions
Constitutional Rights
- Whether infringes privacy rights
- Information autonomy issues
- Proportionality principle review
- Judicial review possibility
Telecommunications Act Authorization
- Government authority scope
- Legal basis adequacy
- Administrative order appropriateness
- Legislative procedure issues
Consumer Protection
- Consumer choice rights
- Product quality assurance
- Unfair commercial practices
- Compensation mechanisms
Possible Legal Challenges
Public Interest Litigation (PIL)
- Civil groups may file
- Constitutional court review
- Privacy protection precedents
- Policy constitutionality review
Industry Joint Litigation
- Phone manufacturer coalition
- Industry association representation
- Technical feasibility defense
- Business impact assessment
International Pressure
- Foreign government concerns
- Trade negotiation impact
- WTO rules applicability
- Bilateral investment protection
Technical Implementation Challenges
Operating System Differences
Android Platform
- Higher openness
- OEM customization possible
- Preloading relatively easy
- Google Play services integration
iOS Platform
- Closed ecosystem
- Apple’s strict control
- High preloading technical difficulty
- User experience priority principle
Other Systems
- HarmonyOS (Huawei)
- KaiOS (feature phones)
- Special handling requirements
Anti-Removal Mechanisms
System-Level Integration
- Set as system application
- Administrator permission protection
- Retained after rooting
- Reinstalled after factory reset
Technical Bypass Risks
- Advanced users may crack
- Removal after root/jailbreak
- Third-party ROM installation
- Enforcement difficulty
Gray Market Impact
- Smuggling of non-preloaded devices
- Increased overseas purchases
- Active second-hand market
- Regulatory challenges
Market and Business Impact
Impact on India’s Phone Market
Market Scale
- India is the world’s second-largest smartphone market
- Annual sales around 150 million units
- Huge growth potential
- Intense brand competition
Consumer Reaction
- Privacy-conscious users may boycott
- Price-sensitive users less affected
- High-end market more impacted
- Brand loyalty tested
Sales Channel Adjustments
- Online platform compliance pressure
- Physical store inventory clearance
- Gray market may expand
- Increased cross-border purchases
Impact on Brands
High-End Brands (Apple, Samsung Flagship)
- Brand image damage risk
- Privacy commitment questioned
- Weakened differentiation advantages
- May lose some premium users
Mid-Range Brands (Xiaomi, Vivo, Oppo)
- Relatively smaller impact
- Target users more accepting
- Price competitiveness maintained
- Limited market share impact
Budget Brands
- Almost no impact
- Users already accustomed to preloaded apps
- Price remains main consideration
- Compliance costs distributed
Data Sovereignty and Global Trends
Data Localization Wave
Global Trends
- Countries strengthening data sovereignty awareness
- Increasing data localization requirements
- Cross-border data flow restrictions
- Local cloud service development
India’s Push Intensity
- 2018 Data Protection Bill draft
- Critical data must be stored locally
- Cross-border transfer restrictions
- Rising compliance costs for foreign companies
Corporate Response
- Local data center construction
- Seeking local partners
- Expanding legal compliance teams
- Business model adjustments
Technology Sovereignty Competition
U.S.-China Tech Competition Impact
- India seeking third-pole position
- Avoiding over-dependence on single country
- Autonomous technology development
- Strategic autonomy pursuit
Domestic Tech Industry Support
- Make in India policy
- Production Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme
- R&D investment incentives
- Startup ecosystem support
International Supply Chain Reorganization
- Benefiting from China+1 strategy
- Manufacturing migration to India
- Global tech company deployment
- Geopolitical considerations
Possible Compromise Solutions
Technical Compromise
Removable but Encouraged Retention
- Allow user removal but provide incentives
- Warning of limited functionality after removal
- Reinstallation convenience
- Educational promotion of importance
Optional Preloading
- Choice to install at first boot
- Clear explanation of features and privacy policy
- Active user consent
- Retain right to refuse
Minimum Permission Mode
- Limit app access permissions
- Operate only when user actively uses
- Minimize background activity
- Increase transparency
Policy Adjustments
Phased Implementation
- Start with new models
- Gradually expand scope
- Give manufacturers more buffer time
- Collect feedback for adjustments
Brand Differentiation Policy
- Special exemptions for premium brands
- Differentiate based on market share
- Mix of voluntary vs. mandatory models
- Market mechanism intervention
Independent Oversight Mechanism
- Establish independent oversight committee
- Regular review of app usage data
- Public transparency reports
- Privacy impact assessments
Future Outlook and Impact
Short-Term Impact (2026)
Implementation Status
- Manufacturer response before 90-day deadline
- Initial compliance rate assessment
- Enforcement intensity observation
- Violation penalty cases
Market Reaction
- Sales data changes
- Consumer protest actions
- Media public opinion direction
- Brand PR handling
Legal Litigation
- Possible constitutional challenges
- Industry joint lawsuits
- Court preliminary rulings
- Policy adjustment possibilities
Medium to Long-Term Impact (2027-2030)
Policy Evolution
- Adjustments based on implementation results
- Possible expansion to more apps
- Or relaxation due to backlash
- Seeking new balance points
Industry Ecosystem Changes
- Opportunities for Indian domestic brands to rise
- International brand strategy adjustments
- Supply chain reorganization
- Innovation model exploration
Global Impact
- Possibility of other countries following suit
- International standard discussions
- New digital sovereignty standards
- Global strategy adjustments by tech companies
Conclusion
India’s mandatory requirement for smartphones to preload the non-removable government cyber safety application Sanchar Saathi reflects fundamental tension between cybersecurity and privacy rights, government regulation and market freedom. The government uses the actual results of helping recover 700,000 stolen phones to provide a rationale for this policy; but the mandatory non-removability requirement indeed raises legitimate concerns about government surveillance capabilities and user privacy.
For international brands like Apple and Samsung, this policy conflicts with their long-standing principles of user privacy protection and product experience, especially Apple’s explicit prohibition on installing government or third-party applications before leaving the factory. How to balance compliance with local regulations while maintaining brand values will be a major challenge.
From a broader perspective, this policy is part of India’s strategy to promote digital sovereignty and reduce dependence on foreign technology. Against the backdrop of the global data localization wave and technology sovereignty competition, governments worldwide are seeking greater regulatory power and domestic technology development. India’s approach may provide reference for other emerging market countries and may also trigger deeper international discussion about reasonable boundaries of technology regulation.
Ultimately, the success or failure of this policy will depend on multi-party compromise and adjustment: the government needs to find a balance between security needs and privacy protection, enterprises need to choose between commercial interests and compliance obligations, and consumers will express their stance through market reactions. As the 90-day implementation deadline approaches, the outcome of multi-party games will shape the future landscape of India’s and even the global smartphone market.
