Sanchar Saathi Not Mandatory, Says Govt; Opposition Claims Victory for Privacy
Government Withdraws Mandatory Sanchar Saathi Rule Amid Privacy Concerns: In a significant reversal, the central government on Wednesday clarified that pre-installation of the Sanchar Saathi app on mobile phones will not be mandatory. The announcement comes at a time when Parliament has been witnessing intense debates and political confrontation over alleged privacy violations linked to the app.
Last week, the government had issued an order directing smartphone manufacturers to pre-install Sanchar Saathi on all devices sold in India—triggering a nationwide discussion on data privacy, user autonomy, and digital surveillance.
Government’s U-turn Amid Rising Public Pressure
According to the latest official statement, the government decided to roll back the directive after observing the app’s rapidly growing voluntary adoption and the strong public response in recent days.
The government’s press release revealed:
- 1.4 crore (14 million) people have downloaded the app so far
- Users collectively report around 2,000 cyber fraud incidents daily
- In the last 24 hours alone, 6 lakh (600,000) new users registered on the app
Officials said this rapid increase in trust and usage shows that users are adopting the app on their own, reducing the need for any mandatory installation rule.
“No Snooping Possible,” Says Union Minister Scindia
Union Communications Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia, addressing the Lok Sabha, strongly rejected allegations that the app could be used for government surveillance.
“There is no possibility of snooping with the Sanchar Saathi app—now or in the future,” he asserted.
He emphasized that India has 1 billion telecom users, and while digital services have numerous benefits, they also pose risks such as cyber fraud and identity misuse. Protecting citizens from these threats, he said, is the government’s responsibility.
Scindia further clarified:
- The Sanchar Saathi portal was launched in 2023
- The Sanchar Saathi mobile app was launched in 2025
Both were developed with the goal of empowering users to safeguard their mobile identity and combat fraud.
Background: Why the Controversy Began
The withdrawn directive had stated that:
- All new smartphones must come pre-installed with Sanchar Saathi
- The app should appear on the first startup screen
- Manufacturers had to comply within 90 days
This immediately triggered allegations from the opposition, who accused it of being a step towards building a “surveillance state.”
Digital rights experts also raised concerns about permissions such as call logs, SMS, and phone identification—arguing that such access must be handled transparently.
A Big Debate Continues: Security vs. Privacy
While the rollback has eased some tension, the broader debate remains alive:
- Government: The app strengthens cybersecurity and protects citizens
- Opposition: Mandatory installation would have been a surveillance risk
- Experts: More transparency and clear data-handling rules are needed
- Users: They want security features, but without compulsion
For now, the government’s decision to keep Sanchar Saathi voluntary has calmed political tempers—yet it has also highlighted India’s growing public demand for privacy rights and digital transparency in an increasingly connected nation.
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