Govt Says Sanchar Saathi App Optional, Can Be Removed; Apple Reportedly Plans to Oppose Mandatory Installation

The Department of Telecommunications (DoT) recently directed smartphone makers to preload the Sanchar Saathi app on new devices. Reports suggested that OEMs would also have to ensure that users could not uninstall or disable the state-owned app. However, the government has now issued clarification on the same, stating that keeping the app installed on one's smartphone is completely optional, and the app can be uninstalled. Meanwhile, a Reuters report states that Apple doesn't plan to comply with the directive due to privacy and security issues for its iOS ecosystem.