India has ordered all new smartphones to come pre-loaded with a non-removable, state-run cybersecurity app, sparking privacy concerns.

In a major move to tighten cybersecurity, India’s telecom ministry has directed smartphone makers to pre-install the government’s Sanchar Saathi app on all new devices sold in the country.

The app, part of a national digital safety initiative, allows citizens to report cyber fraud, track lost phones and verify IMEI numbers.