India backs down on requiring smartphone makers to preinstall state-run app‎

The scandal of the week in India was all about Sanchar Saathi, a state-developed and run app that the government last week decided to force all smartphone makers to preinstall on their devices, with a grace period of 90 days. Following substantial backlash from practically everywhere and everyone, the Indian government has today decided to back down. The Indian telecom ministry now says the app will remain voluntary and smartphone makers will no longer be required to preinstall it. This requirement has proven controversial with device makers like Apple, that reportedly refused to follow...