United Kingdom, Dec. 4 -- India has reversed its controversial order forcing smartphone makers like Apple and Samsung to pre-install an undeletable government "cyber safety" app on all new devices.

The now-withdrawn directive - issued privately on November, 28, 2025 - would have required manufacturers to preload the state-run Sanchar Saathi app, and ensure users could not disable or remove it, within 90 days.

For devices already manufactured, the government also wanted companies to push the app through a software update.

The move immediately triggered alarm over surveillance risks and a lack of consultation with the tech industry.

Before the repeal, Apple reportedly had no intention of complying, preparing instead to formally tell New...