Pushback from smartphone makers: Centre drops Aadhaar app pre-install plan — report

Proposal dropped after industry pushback

Reuters had earlier reported that Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI), which operates Aadhaar, had asked the IT ministry to communicate to smartphone makers to consider pre-installation of the app.

Declining to give a specific reason for the rollback, UIDAI told Reuters that the IT ministry reviewed the proposal and is “not in favour of mandating the pre-installation of the Aadhaar App on smartphones”.

Industry concerns over security, cost

UIDAI said the ministry had consulted stakeholders in the electronics industry before dropping the plan.

Smartphone manufacturers had opposed the proposal, flagging concerns over device security and compatibility.

Companies also cited higher production costs, noting that such a mandate could require separate manufacturing lines for India and export markets.

Earlier rollback on Sanchar Saathi app

The government’s decision comes months after a similar rollback involving the Sanchar Saathi app.

The Centre had withdrawn the mandatory pre-installation requirement for the app following political debate and industry concerns.