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A major row over digital security and user privacy has erupted in India following a government directive mandating the pre-installation of the state-run cybersecurity application, Sanchar Saathi, on all new smartphones. Amid fierce accusations of creating a “snooping app,” the government has swiftly moved to clarify its stance, assuring citizens that the app is optional and can be deleted.
Mandatory Pre-Load vs. User Consent
The controversy began when the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) issued a directive requiring mobile manufacturers and importers to ensure the Sanchar Saathi app is pre-installed on all new devices within a 90-day compliance period.
While the government’s intent was to combat rising cyber fraud and the misuse of telecom resources—particularly through spoofed IMEI numbers and fraudulent connections—the move was met with immediate resistance:
- Privacy Alarm : Digital rights groups, including the Internet Freedom Foundation (IFF), criticized the mandate, raising fears that a non-removable, state-mandated application could lead to function creep and widespread government surveillance.
- Political Row : Opposition parties labeled the app a “snooping tool,” arguing the move violates the fundamental Right to Privacy guaranteed under Article 21 of the Constitution. Minister Scindia Steps in to Quell Fears
Union Minister for Communications, Jyotiraditya Scindia, was quick to address the mounting concerns, firmly clarifying the government’s position and debunking the allegations of surveillance.
Speaking to reporters, Minister Scindia stressed that the app is a citizen safety tool and its usage is completely voluntary.
“If you don’t want Sanchar Saathi, you can delete it. It is optional,” Scindia stated. “This app does not enable snooping or call monitoring.”
He explained that the mandate for pre-installation was only to ensure universal availability, as many citizens remain unaware of the tool designed to protect them from theft and digital scams. The Minister emphasized that users remain free to uninstall or delete the app at any point, and its features only become active upon voluntary registration.
Understanding Sanchar Saathi’s Purpose
Despite the controversy, the Sanchar Saathi platform has demonstrated significant results in tackling telecom fraud since its launch in May 2023. The app is designed to empower users with crucial tools for digital self-protection:
- Lost/Stolen Mobile Tracking: Helps users instantly report and block lost or stolen phones via their IMEI number, making the device unusable across all Indian networks.
- Know Your Connections (KYC): Allows users to check the number of mobile connections registered under their name and flag/disconnect any fraudulent SIM cards.
- Fraudulent Communication Reporting: Enables citizens to report spam, phishing calls, and malicious links, contributing data to government efforts to dismantle illegal telecom exchanges.
The government’s challenge now is to balance its mandate for cyber-hygiene and its need to combat organized fraud with its responsibility to protect user consent and privacy in the rapidly evolving digital ecosystem.
[Newsroom article is original. Facts are honestly sourced primarily from Department of Telecommunications (DoT) Notification/Order, and rephrased from The Hindu, NDTV, India Today, CNN, BBC, Al Jazeera, The Indian Express, and others . No text copied.]
