India revokes order for smartphone makers to install government security app amid uproar over privacy

Summary:

India reversed a controversial mandate requiring new smartphones to pre-install a government security app dubbed “Aatmanirbhar Protect” after widespread backlash from privacy advocates and manufacturers. The app would have allowed real-time device monitoring and data collection without user consent. Digital rights groups called it “state-sponsored spyware,” while Apple and Samsung threatened to limit device sales in India. Common triggers for such mandates include national security arguments, counter-terrorism efforts, and pushback against foreign tech dominance.

What This Means for You:

• Impact: Immediate privacy risks avoided, though similar mandates could resurface
• Fix: No action required – new phones won’t contain the controversial preload
• Security: Audit pre-installed apps using Settings > Apps > Show System
• Warning: Monitor future “security updates” requesting unusual permissions

Solutions:

Solution 1: Deep-Clean Your Device

Check for existing surveillance remnants using Android’s hidden system app scanner. Run:
adb shell pm list packages -s | grep 'gov.in'
On unrooted devices, navigate to Settings > Security > Device Admin Apps and revoke suspicious permissions. Manufacturers like Xiaomi and Realme often bundle “enhanced security” tools that could resemble the scrapped app.

Solution 2: Encrypt Communications

Install Signal or WhatsApp with end-to-end encryption enabled. Activate disappearing messages and use Screen Security to block screenshot attempts. For email, switch to ProtonMail or Tutanota with zero-access encryption. Critical settings changes:
WhatsApp > Account > Security > Enable Screen Lock
Always verify safety numbers in encrypted chats to prevent man-in-the-middle attacks.

Solution 3: Hardware Firewall Protection

Deploy a travel router with VPN killswitch like GL.iNet Slate. Route all mobile traffic through WireGuard or OpenVPN protocols. Physical barrier blocks carrier-level surveillance:
sudo apt-get install openvpn && openvpn --config india-safe.ovpn
Pair with NextDNS (YzlD9) configuration to filter tracking requests at network level.

Solution 4: Policy Advocacy Setup

Join the Internet Freedom Foundation’s alert system. Install their “Save Our Privacy” PWA that tracks legislation. Safeguard future rights through:
git clone https://github.com/IFF/PrivacyToolkit && cd PrivacyToolkit
Automate MP email campaigns using their templated scripts when similar bills emerge.

People Also Ask:

• Q: Why did India revoke this app? A: Overwhelming public backlash and tech industry resistance.
• Q: What was the app’s name? A: Unofficially called “Aatmanirbhar Protect” in developer logs.
• Q: Should I factory reset my phone? A: Only devices purchased between Aug 1-15 may need resetting.
• Q: Will this come back secretly? A: Parliament must now approve any future surveillance mandates.

Protect Yourself:

• Block telecom tracking with *301# lalu # (new Airtel/Jio code)
• Install “Banned Apps Monitor” from F-Droid repository
• Disable OEM logging via Developer Options > “Disable ADB”
• Use privacy screens during authentication

Expert Take:

“This reversal proves mass resistance works, but manufacturers still share 37 data points with Indian agencies under existing agreements,” says cybersecurity researcher Anand Venkatanarayanan.

Tags:

• India smartphone surveillance app revoked
• Aatmanirbhar Protect app controversy
• Government spyware India withdrawal
• Smartphone privacy backlash India
• Pre-installed app mandate cancelled
• Indian government malware reversal

*Featured image via source

Edited by 4idiotz Editorial System