Government Clarifies Sanchar Saathi App is Optional After Public Concerns, Congress Calls Move an Attack on Freedom
People buying new smartphones preloaded with the Sanchar Saathi security application will be free to remove it if they choose to, Union Communications Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia clarified on Tuesday.
The minister said that while the government will ensure the app reaches every user, installing or keeping it on the device will be entirely the user’s choice.
Speaking to reporters outside Parliament, Scindia said: If you don’t want the Sanchar Saathi app, you can delete it.
It is optional. Our duty is to introduce this app to everyone. Keeping it on the phone or removing it is up to the user.”
Earlier Government Order Said the App Would Be Non-Removable
A day earlier, the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) had directed smartphone companies to preload the cybersecurity app on all devices sold in India and make it non-removable, sparking concerns about privacy and user freedom.
Manufacturers were instructed to ensure:
- All new smartphones must come with the app pre-installed
- Existing users must receive the app via a software update
- Compliance must be completed within three months
What is the Sanchar Saathi App?
Sanchar Saathi, already available on Google Play Store and Apple App Store, is designed to fight cyber fraud and phone theft.
Launched in January, the app has gained rapid adoption, crossing 50 lakh downloads by August.
According to government data:
- Over 37.28 lakh stolen or lost phones have been blocked using the platform
- More than 22.76 lakh devices have been traced
- Users can block or track mobile phones through their IMEI numbers
- It helps police in investigations of stolen devices
- It allows users to report spam calls, fraudulent messages and suspicious WhatsApp activity
- It helps reduce fake and duplicate phone circulation
Congress Criticises Move
Congress MP Renuka Chowdhury sharply criticised the government, calling the directive an attempt to restrict citizens’ freedom.
She questioned: They talk about national security now. What about national security when two men breached Parliament with passes issued to them?”
She further argued that instead of improving cybersecurity systems, the Centre was placing unnecessary controls on the public and businesses: India has one of the highest cybercrime rates.
This is not the solution. This app will affect personal freedom, business and commerce.”
The debate over digital privacy versus national security is expected to continue, especially as the government reviews feedback and smartphone companies assess technical challenges.
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