India has scrapped an order making it mandatory for smartphone makers to preload a state-run cyber safety app on new phones after a public furore.
The order - passed last week but made public on Monday - gave smartphone makers 90 days to pre-load new phones with its new Sanchar Saathi app which could not be "disabled or restricted", sparking privacy and surveillance concerns.
The government justified the move saying it was necessary to verify the authenticity of handsets, but cybersecurity experts said it impinged on citizens' right to privacy.
The government said it had decided to withdraw the order citing the app's "increasing acceptance".