India has revoked its directive mandating smartphone manufacturers to preload a state-run cybersecurity app, Sanchar Saathi, due to substantial backlash from opposition parties and privacy advocates concerned about potential surveillance implications. Initially ordered to enhance security by tracking and blocking stolen phones, the plan faced opposition from major manufacturers like Apple and Samsung, who were reluctant to comply. The government’s decision to abandon the mandate reflects ongoing tensions around privacy and surveillance in the digital age, a recurring issue under Prime Minister Modi’s administration. The app saw a significant rise in downloads even amid controversy, underscoring a complex relationship between state security measures and public trust in digital privacy.