[Today's Prayer] India, controversy over the government's push to mandate the installation of a security app on mobile phone devices

Recently, the Indian government has forced the mandatory installation of a self-developed security application on new mobile phone devices sold in the country, prompting opposition parties to protest, claiming it infringes on basic rights.

According to Reuters and EFE on the 3rd (local time), the Indian Ministry of Communications ordered mobile phone manufacturers and importers on the 28th of last month to install the 'Sanchar Sathi' security app on new mobile phone devices within the next 90 days to prevent cyber fraud.

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Indian authorities explained that the security app not only prevents cyber fraud but also blocks the use of lost mobile phones and can check mobile connectivity status.

They added that while the app can access phone data such as call logs and text messages, it requests permission from the phone user when using other functions like the camera.

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Malikarjun Kharge, president of the main opposition party, the Indian National Congress (INC), criticized on social media platform X (formerly Twitter), saying the government’s measure would lead to "surveillance, wiretapping, and spying" and likened it to "dictatorship."

The Indian government explained that the app is a tool for the safety of mobile phone users, not for surveillance.

Jothiraditya Scindia, Indian Minister of Communications, stated in a post on X, "If you don't want (the app), you can delete it," calling it "optional."

He emphasized, "This app is voluntary and transparent, designed to strengthen national cybersecurity," and "users can activate or delete the app anytime, ensuring safety without invading privacy."

India, with a population of about 1.46 billion, is the most populous country in the world, so any enforced measures in the telecommunications sector have significant impact.

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Source: Nate News

Whoever keeps His commandments dwells in Him, and He in them. And by this we know that He lives in us, by the Spirit He gave us. (1 John 3:24)

God, we hear the news that the Indian government is pushing to mandate the installation of a government security application on new mobile phone devices sold in the country.

As the most populous country in the world, the Indian government's enforced telecommunications measures raise concerns and criticisms that they will suppress the people's freedom and lead to dictatorship. We ask the good God to protect the peoples within India.

God, the only King and ruler of India, please raise up leaders in the Indian government who abide in Jesus Christ and walk in the right path through the Holy Spirit, and let freedom in truth abound in India.

Lord, please cover the eyes that seek to monitor the souls of India through government security systems, and according to the work of the Holy Spirit, let the footsteps of missionaries who dedicate their lives to You continue, so that the Indian souls who hear the gospel and return may be unceasing.

At this time when the Indian people, steadfast in faith amid the many idols of Hinduism and Islam holding India captive, rise with God's missionary vision toward the nations, pour out anointing on all worship and ministries of the Indian church, and let the flames of revival burn!

Thus, may the Indian people rise as one million missionaries who, regardless of circumstances, follow the way of the cross and proclaim the joy of salvation to the nations of the world!