India Demands Government Tracker App on All Citizen Phones
The Modi government, according to the Financial Times , is quietly leaning on manufacturers to pre-install an app designed for citizen tracking—ostensibly for emergency alerts and contact tracing, a familiar refrain. One might wonder if this 'pre-installation' will come with an uninstall button, or if that's considered 'anti-national.' This isn't a new playbook. India's recent history includes a
crackdown on dissent and journalists, internet shutdowns, and the use of Pegasus spyware against activists and critics, all under the guise of national security. When a government with this track record suddenly demands access to every phone, it appears less about 'emergencies' and more about cementing control. How many 'public good' initiatives quietly become tools for political monitoring?