India scraps mandatory Aadhaar app preload after privacy backlash

Analysis
MEITY's withdrawal is very likely a tactical retreat over the coming months, not a policy reversal; the Aadhaar program continues and the government retains the option to reintroduce a preload requirement under the Digital Personal Data Protection Act once enforcement mechanisms are operational. The fact pattern is consistent with prior MEITY climbdowns, though limited corroboration means the timing and scope should be treated as preliminary. Absent a public consultation process or court-mandated proportionality test before the next legislative session, the retreat was procedural; either observable would be the signal distinguishing a genuine course change from a delay.