The Indian government has dropped its proposal to mandate pre-installation of the Aadhaar app on smartphones, following pushback from device makers and concerns over privacy and security. Installation remains voluntary, and no compliance is imposed on manufacturers.
The government of India has scrapped its proposed requirement for smartphones sold in the country to be pre-loaded with the Aadhaar app. The reason cited was that manufacturers opposed the move on grounds of cost and security issues.
However, the services and the verification process of Aadhaar are not impacted, and people are still free to download the app.
Companies said pre-installation would increase costs, disrupt supply chains, and force India-specific models. Some also flagged potential security risks. Privacy advocates called the move intrusive and unnecessary. After talks with industry and internal review, the Centre decided not to proceed, choosing to keep the app optional for users.
The plan required smartphone makers to pre-install the Aadhaar app on all devices sold in India. Users would get the app by default, without downloading it. Officials said this would make identity verification and KYC faster and easier.
The concept aimed to increase the availability of Aadhaar services and reduce dependence on paper-based documentation. Moreover, it is part of the larger initiative by the government to develop digital infrastructure and increase access to identification services across the country.
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This implies that it is not mandatory for users to install the Aadhaar app on their newly purchased smartphones. They have the freedom to decide whether or not to use the app, while Aadhaar services remain the same.
In the bigger picture, the move shows the Centre is willing to step back when industry raises concerns. It also reflects the weight large device makers carry in such decisions. User choice stays, companies avoid extra costs, and the government sidesteps a rule that could have faced wider pushback.