India has mandated that all new smartphones be equipped with a state-run cybersecurity application, raising worries about privacy and surveillance.

According to the order issued last week but revealed, smartphone manufacturers have 90 days to make sure that all new devices include the government's Sanchar Saathi app, which must have "functionalities that cannot be disabled or limited."

It states this is essential to assist citizens in confirming the legitimacy of a device and reporting any suspected abuse of telecom resources.

The action - taking place in one of the globe's largest mobile markets, boasting over 1.2 billion users - has faced backlash from cyber specialists, who argue it violates individuals' privacy rights.

According to the app's privacy policy, it is able to make and handle phone calls, send messages, access logs of calls and messages, photos and files, and also utilize the phone's camera.

"This effectively turns every smartphone sold in India into a conduit for government-required software that users cannot significantly decline, manage, or eliminate," says advocacy group Internet Freedom Foundation in a statement.

In response to mounting criticism, India's Communications Minister Jyotiradtiya Scindia has stated that mobile phone users can choose to delete this app if they prefer not to use it.

"This system is entirely voluntary and democratic - users have the option to enable the app and enjoy its advantages, or if they prefer not to, they can conveniently remove it from their device whenever they want," he posted on X.

Also Read: Semicon India 2025: Designing A Self-Reliant Semiconductor Hub

The minister did not explain how this would be achieved if the app's features can't be turned off or limited.

Introduced in January, the Sanchar Saathi app enables users to verify a device's IMEI, report lost or stolen phones, and identify potential fraud messages.

Also Read: The Global Fintech Fest 2025: Enabling Finance for Better World

According to the new regulations, the pre-installed application must be easily visible and accessible to users during device setup, and its functionalities cannot be limited or turned off.

Also Read: 5 AI Initiatives by the Indian Government Driving National Growth

Smartphone manufacturers should also "strive" to offer the app via software updates for devices that are produced but remain unsold, according to reports.