The Indian government recently suggested that smartphone companies pre-install the Aadhaar app on their devices. This move follows a similar controversy over the ‘Sanchaar Saathi’ app. However, major companies like Apple, Samsung, and Google rejected the idea due to concerns about security and production costs.
The Government’s Request to Tech Companies
In January 2026, the Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) requested major smartphone companies, including Apple, Samsung, and Google, to pre-install the Aadhaar app on their devices. The request was not an official order but rather a suggestion from the government. Despite this, tech companies strongly opposed the proposal. According to reports, the government sent six such requests, and companies refused the one related to the Aadhaar app.
Why Don’t Companies Want the Aadhaar App Pre-Installed?
Tech companies argue that pre-installing the Aadhaar app would increase production costs and create technical challenges for users. Apple and Samsung expressed particular concerns about security and data privacy. These companies believe that the app could potentially compromise user safety.
Why Does UIDAI Want the Aadhaar App Pre-Installed?
UIDAI believes that pre-installing the Aadhaar app will make it easier for users to access essential services without downloading the app. On the other hand, the Manufacturers’ Association of Information Technology (MAIT) argued that this wouldn’t benefit the public significantly. Additionally, they stated that the need to create separate production lines for the Indian market would complicate manufacturing.
International Context: No Other Country Mandates Pre-Installation of Government Apps
Notably, only Russia requires the pre-installation of government apps on smartphones. No other country has implemented such a policy.
Expert Opinions on the Proposal
Launched in January 2026, the new Aadhaar app allows users to manage their profiles and lock biometric data. Despite its features, experts remain critical of the government’s proposal. Apar Gupta, founder of the Internet Freedom Foundation, argued that this proposal reflects the government’s desire for control over smartphone usage from the start. It remains unclear if the government will push forward with this idea.
