India Mandates Non-Removable Spyware App, Sparks Privacy Row

The Government of India, through the Department of Telecommunications (DoT), has mandated that smartphone makers must pre-load the state-owned cybersecurity app Sanchar Saathi on all new devices within 90 days, making it non-removable. Officially, the app helps law enforcement track stolen devices and prevent fraud by identifying spoofed IMEI numbers. However, the directive has drawn strong criticism from privacy advocates and the opposition, who argue it violates the fundamental Right to Privacy under Article 21 of the Constitution. Critics fear the non-removable software creates a "dystopian tool" for state surveillance and sets a troubling precedent, potentially creating friction with global manufacturers like Apple.