The Indian government has confidentially ordered companies including Apple, Samsung and Xiaomi to preload their phones with an app called Sanchar Saathi.

Telecom Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia clarified that the Sanchar Saathi app is optional and can be deleted by users, refuting claims of mandatory pre-installation and disabling. The app aims to prevent cyber threats and track lost or stolen phones, not for snooping. This clarification follows a Reuters report about a government order for major smartphone companies.

It will cover over 97 lakh rural properties, making it easier for owners to prove legal ownership when applying for bank loans, registrations, building permissions or govt benefits