India orders smartphone makers to preload state-owned cyber safety app

Reuters was first to report that India’s government privately asked smartphone makers like Apple and Samsung to preload all new devices with a state-owned cyber security app that cannot be disabled. The government scrapped the order on Wednesday after an outcry from politicians, privacy advocates and global tech companies over surveillance fears. 

Why it matters

Modi’s plan had little precedent, according to industry sources. Russia may be the only other known example. Moscow in August ordered that a state-backed messenger application called MAX, which critics say could be used to track users, must be pre-installed on all mobile phones and tablets.