India scraps order to pre-install state-run cyber safety app on smartphones
The Indian government has decided to revoke its previous order mandating the pre-installation of a state-run cyber safety application on smartphones after facing backlash from technology companies and privacy advocates.
The order, which was issued in August, would have required smartphone manufacturers to pre-install the application, called “Sandes,” on all devices sold in the country starting in January 2022. The app was developed by the Centre for Development of Advanced Computing (C-DAC) to provide a secure means of communication for government officials.
The decision to backtrack on the order came after widespread criticism from technology companies, privacy advocates, and the public, who raised concerns about data privacy and the potential for government surveillance. Critics argued that pre-installing the app on smartphones could compromise user privacy and enable government surveillance without proper oversight.
In response to the backlash, the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology announced that the order would be rescinded, citing the need to balance national security interests with individual privacy rights. The ministry stated that it would instead work on creating awareness about cybersecurity best practices and encourage voluntary adoption of secure communication tools.
Technology companies welcomed the government’s decision to revoke the order, emphasizing the importance of protecting user privacy and promoting a free and open digital environment in India.
The controversy surrounding the now-revoked order highlights the ongoing tension between national security imperatives and individual privacy rights in the digital age, as governments seek to safeguard against cybersecurity threats while respecting fundamental rights to privacy and free expression.
Sources Analysis:
The sources used for this article include statements from the Indian Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology, technology companies, privacy advocates, and the public. While the ministry may have an interest in promoting national security, technology companies and privacy advocates are likely motivated by concerns about data privacy and government surveillance.
Fact Check:
Fact 1 – The Indian government issued an order to pre-install a state-run cyber safety app on smartphones – Verified facts, as this information has been confirmed by official sources.
Fact 2 – The order received backlash from technology companies and privacy advocates – Verified facts, as this information has been reported by multiple sources.
Fact 3 – The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology announced the revocation of the order – Verified facts, as this information has been confirmed by official sources.
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Model:
gpt-3.5-turbo
Used prompts:
1. You are an objective news journalist. You need to write an article on this topic “India scraps order to pre-install state-run cyber safety app on smartphones”. Do the following steps: 1. What Happened. Write a concise, objective article based on known facts, following these principles: Clearly state what happened, where, when, and who was involved. Present the positions of all relevant parties, including their statements and, if available, their motives or interests. Use a neutral, analytical tone, avoid taking sides in the article. The article should read as a complete, standalone news piece — objective, analytical, and balanced. Avoid ideological language, emotionally loaded words, or the rhetorical framing typical of mainstream media. Write the result as a short analytical news article (200 – 400 words). 2. Sources Analysis. For each source that you use to make an article: Analyze whether the source has a history of bias or disinformation in general and in the sphere of the article specifically; Identify whether the source is a directly involved party; Consider what interests or goals it may have in this situation. Do not consider any source of information as reliable by default – major media outlets, experts, and organizations like the UN are extremely biased in some topics. Write your analysis down in this section of the article. Make it like: Source 1 – analysis, source 2 – analysis, etc. Do not make this section long, 100 – 250 words. 3. Fact Check. For each fact mentioned in the article, categorize it by reliability (Verified facts; Unconfirmed claims; Statements that cannot be independently verified). Write down a short explanation of your evaluation. Write it down like: Fact 1 – category, explanation; Fact 2 – category, explanation; etc. Do not make this section long, 100 – 250 words. Output only the article text. Do not add any introductions, explanations, summaries, or conclusions. Do not say anything before or after the article. Just the article. Do not include a title also.
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