INDIA - Government App on Smartphones

India’s telecoms ministry has directed smartphone manufacturers to pre-install a government-run cybersecurity app on all new devices, according to a government order, raising concerns of data privacy and user consent in one of the largest handset markets in the world.

The ministry said the app, which is available to India’s 1.2 billion smartphone users, was essential in “curbing misuse of telecom resources for cyber frauds and ensuring telecom cyber security.” But privacy advocates say the order marks an effort to erode user privacy and consent.

Nikhil Pahwa, a digital policy expert, said the main concern is that the app’s role could eventually expand, giving authorities greater ability to “access device status.” He said the order also removes user consent as a choice.

In Russia, authorities have recently promoted the MAX messaging service, which must be pre-installed on all smartphones.

-abcnews.go.com, 2 December 2025

Commentary: It is no longer a question of if but rather when. India presently is the largest handset market in the world, with 1.2 billion smartphone users. Experts on both sides ask the question: Where will it lead? The government (of whatever nation) presents their case with the words, “safety for all smartphone users.” The opposition claims, “The order also removes user consent as a choice.” But it gets immensely more difficult, for after one country installs certain security technology, many others must follow. So, we have to ask the question: What will happen in the end?

Again, world unity. It makes no difference what type of government—whether democracy, socialism, communism, dictatorship, or monarchy—all will and must meet with one consent in order to fulfill Revelation 13:8a: “And all that dwell upon the earth shall worship him”; that is, Antichrist.