India’s government has revoked an order requiring smartphone makers, including Apple and Samsung, to preinstall its state-developed security app, Sanchar Saathi, on all new and existing devices.

The reversal comes after criticism from opposition politicians and privacy groups, who called the app a potential surveillance tool.

The original order, leaked last week, had mandated that the app’s functions could not be disabled or restricted, prompting comparisons to the Pegasus spyware.

Communications Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia emphasized that the app was never mandatory for users, could be deleted, and is intended to provide cybersecurity benefits, CBS News has reported.

The government maintains that Sanchar Saathi is secure and designed solely to help citizens, despite concerns over privacy and potential misuse.