92
submitted 2 months ago by schizoidman@lemmy.zip to c/android@lemdro.id

cross-posted from: https://lemmy.zip/post/54116540

India's telecoms ministry has privately asked smartphone makers to preload all new devices with a state-owned cyber security app that cannot be deleted, a government order showed

top 14 comments
sorted by: hot top controversial new old
[-] Acamon@lemmy.world 39 points 2 months ago

We really need to come up with some DIYable devices. A future where most nation states insist in this sort of backdoor feels distressingly inevitable at this stage...

[-] limerod@reddthat.com 27 points 2 months ago

What makes you think they would allow such a thing to exist? The french government was apparently after GrapheneOS for its extreme security and privacy.

The EU is after chat software with its chat control bill. Governments only care about power. Once they have it, it will be abused.

[-] Acamon@lemmy.world 12 points 2 months ago

They might ban it, but if its diy there's little they can do to actually enforce it. People can 3d print guns or make bombs because you can't control basic tech. Making a mobile device is harder because the carriers could try and detect unofficial access. But even having a device that's only for wifi is better than allowing the goverrment to constantly monitor everything their citizens do and say online.

[-] weirdo_from_space@sh.itjust.works 3 points 2 months ago* (last edited 2 months ago)

Oh they can enforce it just fine. Some guy in UK tried 3D printing a gun and saw what's what, granted he called support which is stupid as hell, but everyone has a non-zero chance of slipping up. And once you do, I hope you don't have unfinished business outside. Impracticality of enforcement only becomes an issue if it's ridiculously widespread, which this is not.

Given that your phone will see far more active use and will have to be connected to some kind of network, the chances of it getting detected and landing you in trouble is quite high. You have a better chance with getting out of there if possible or getting rid of your smartphone if not.

On a side tangen I don't buy into the "anyone can build a gun" argument anyway. You have to make a frame, barrel, blackpowder, cast lead... it's a long hard process that will result in an underpowered / impractical gun or most likely both, something 99% of people won't bother ever bother with due to the sheer friction involved if nothing else. That argument holds weight with knives (sharp stuff in general), sheperd's slings, maybe a brass knuckle even but not really with guns.

[-] Acamon@lemmy.world 2 points 2 months ago

This is absolutely not a subject I know about in detail, but I feel like there are credible reports of the printed guns.

And I agree that if the government wanted to absolutely control all internet access and devices they could make it very hard for anyone to use it without going outside their supervision. But "banning all Linux devices" is quiet a different level of authoritarianism than "force android producers to install government software".

[-] DaGeek247@fedia.io 1 points 2 months ago

I don't buy into the "anyone can build a gun" argument anyway.

Bullets in america are not tracked, logged, or otherwise managed in any way by the american government. They don't matter for making a gun because literally anyone can walk up to their local pawn shop and get some without any identity checks or other hassle.

Guns made by 3d printers are kinda shitty, in the exact same way that jellyfin is kinda shitty compared to Netflix. They both do the job, but one just takes more time and effort to get running.

Making a untracked 3d-printed glock is entirely doable by the average Joe.

[-] weirdo_from_space@sh.itjust.works 1 points 2 months ago

That is America though, guns (and gun parts) are everywhere. You can make a shotgun out of two pieces of pipe over there, no printer required. That wouldn't fly in places with strict gun control, which are most places.

[-] Valmond@lemmy.world 2 points 2 months ago

You could go the steganographic way, or hide things by other means.

The sim card that needs an address is the first entry point into your phone, wifi over IP not so much, for example.

[-] 30p87@feddit.org 13 points 2 months ago

"cyber security"? You mean Pegasus?

[-] SanctimoniousApe@lemmings.world 7 points 2 months ago

Fascists have a loonnngggg history of selling their bullshit laws using names that completely misrepresent what they do, and which would make those arguing against them look bad to a gullible public.

[-] redparadise@lemmygrad.ml 1 points 2 months ago

The app is called Sanchar Sathi, which means "Communication Companion"

[-] Diplomjodler3@lemmy.world 2 points 2 months ago

It sounds better than surveillance.

[-] kugmo@sh.itjust.works 1 points 2 months ago

An app that will automatically turn their phone into a scam call service, nice.

[-] cyberpunk007@lemmy.ca 1 points 2 months ago

Cyber "safety" app. Nice...

this post was submitted on 01 Dec 2025
92 points (100.0% liked)

Android

21468 readers
170 users here now

The new home of /r/Android on Lemmy and the Fediverse!

Android news, reviews, tips, and discussions about rooting, tutorials, and apps.

🔗Universal Link: !android@lemdro.id


💡Content Philosophy:

Content which benefits the community (news, rumours, and discussions) is generally allowed and is valued over content which benefits only the individual (technical questions, help buying/selling, rants, self-promotion, etc.) which will be removed if it's in violation of the rules.


Support, technical, or app related questions belong in: !askandroid@lemdro.id

For fresh communities, lemmy apps, and instance updates: !lemdroid@lemdro.id

💬Matrix Chat

💬Telegram channels / chats

📰Our communities below


Rules

  1. Stay on topic: All posts should be related to the Android OS or ecosystem.

  2. No support questions, recommendation requests, rants, or bug reports: Posts must benefit the community rather than the individual. Please post to !askandroid@lemdro.id.

  3. Describe images/videos, no memes: Please include a text description when sharing images or videos. Post memes to !androidmemes@lemdro.id.

  4. No self-promotion spam: Active community members can post their apps if they answer any questions in the comments. Please do not post links to your own website, YouTube, blog content, or communities.

  5. No reposts or rehosted content: Share only the original source of an article, unless it's not available in English or requires logging in (like Twitter). Avoid reposting the same topic from other sources.

  6. No editorializing titles: You can add the author or website's name if helpful, but keep article titles unchanged.

  7. No piracy or unverified APKs: Do not share links or direct people to pirated content or unverified APKs, which may contain malicious code.

  8. No unauthorized polls, bots, or giveaways: Do not create polls, use bots, or organize giveaways without first contacting mods for approval.

  9. No offensive or low-effort content: Don't post offensive or unhelpful content. Keep it civil and friendly!

  10. No affiliate links: Posting affiliate links is not allowed.

Quick Links

Our Communities

Lemmy App List

Chat and More


founded 2 years ago
MODERATORS