New Delhi, Dec. 3 -- Soon after its order on keeping chat apps linked to phone SIM cards even for web access to such messaging platforms, India's Department of Telecommunications (DoT) issued a fresh directive aimed at tightening network security further. This one is likely to ruffle even more feathers.

DoT has asked smartphone makers to pre-install a government-run cybersecurity app called Sanchar Saathi on all new devices. This app must be placed prominently to catch attention the first time a phone is used. Despatched handsets would have to be loaded through remote updates of software.

One wouldn't have flinched had it not been for the order's mandatory nature. Manufacturers seem taken by surprise and left staring at an awkward burde...