Govt drops plan to mandate Aadhaar app after phone makers cite concerns: Report

The Centre has reportedly decided not to mandate the Aadhaar app on smartphones sold in India, following concerns raised by device makers and industry stakeholders.

Also read: Centre proposes pre-installing Aadhaar app on smartphones: Report

Earlier this year, the Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) had asked the IT Ministry to hold discussions with smartphone companies such as Apple and Google on pre-installing the Aadhaar app on all new devices.

Forced app policy

However, after reviewing the proposal, the IT Ministry decided against making the app compulsory, according to a Reuters report. While no official reason was provided, the decision followed consultations with stakeholders from the electronics and smartphone industry, suggesting that their feedback played a key role.

Also read: Why Sanchar Saathi mandate sparked privacy, surveillance concerns

This is not the first time the government has explored such a move. Over the past two years, there have been multiple attempts to push for pre-installed government apps on smartphones, but these have faced resistance from manufacturers.

Security concerns

Companies have repeatedly raised concerns about user privacy, device security, and software compatibility. There were also practical challenges, with manufacturers pointing out that such requirements could increase production costs, especially if separate production lines were needed for India-specific devices.

Major companies, including Apple and Samsung, are understood to have flagged security-related concerns. In addition, industry players have questioned the need to make such apps mandatory on personal devices.

A similar situation occurred in December, when the government briefly required smartphone makers to pre-install a telecom security app. That directive was withdrawn within days after strong opposition from the industry.

Privacy on personal phones

Officials have indicated that the IT Ministry is generally not in favour of forcing apps onto devices unless there is a clear and essential need.

Also read: Meet 'Udai', the new official Aadhaar mascot to simplify services

While Aadhaar continues to be widely used across services, it has also faced criticism from privacy advocates in the past, particularly over concerns related to data security and leaks.

Experts have welcomed the government’s decision, saying it reflects a more cautious approach and respects user choice when it comes to personal devices.