India Orders Phone Makers to Pre-Install Government App to Tackle Telecom Fraud
Home Photos/Media/Files (Read contents of USB storage and modify or delete them) Device ID & call information (Read phone status and identity) The November 28, 2025, directive, per Reuters, requires manufacturers to push the app to phones that are already in the supply chain via a software update. The government has framed the app as necessary to tackle threats facing telecom cybersecurity, including spoofed IMEI numbers that can be used to facilitate scams and network misuse. In a press statement, the Ministry of Communications said the pre-installation is required to safeguard citizens from buying non-genuine handsets and enable easy reporting of suspected misuse of telecom resources. Manufacturers are also required to ensure that the application is readily visible and accessible to end users at the time of first use or device setup and that its functionalities are not disabled or restricted.
Published: December 1, 2025 5:55 pm
Source: The Hacker News — Read original