Govt Softens Stand on Sanchar Saathi Pre-Installation Rule

The Centre has eased public concerns surrounding its directive requiring smartphone manufacturers to pre-install the Sanchar Saathi application, clarifying that users retain full freedom to uninstall the app. The clarification follows intense debate over privacy, cybersecurity and regulatory overreach.

Clarification on User Choice After Public Outcry

A day after controversy erupted, communications minister Jyotiraditya Scindia stated that while manufacturers must preload Sanchar Saathi under existing telecom cyber security rules, citizens are not obligated to use or retain it. He emphasised that users may delete the application at any time and that it remains inactive unless registered voluntarily.

Government’s Defence of the App’s Purpose

Scindia reiterated that Sanchar Saathi is designed solely to combat cyber fraud. He dismissed allegations of surveillance, asserting that the platform neither monitors calls nor enables snooping. Government sources also clarified that regulatory language applies only to manufacturers, preventing them from disabling app functionalities or masking pre-installation.

Privacy Concerns and Political Opposition

Critics, including Congress leaders, have likened the mandate to intrusive government practices, citing concerns reminiscent of past surveillance allegations. They argued that compulsory pre-installation normalises state overreach and compromises user autonomy. Senior opposition figures demanded a rollback, calling the directive unconstitutional and a threat to citizens’ privacy.

Exam Oriented Facts

• The Sanchar Saathi app aims to detect fraudulent mobile connections and track lost phones.
• Over 1.5 crore downloads have been recorded to date.
• The DoT’s pre-installation rule stems from the Telecommunications Act, 2023 and Cyber Security Rules, 2024.
• More than 2.7 crore fraudulent connections have been disconnected through the system.

Industry Reaction and Cybersecurity Concerns

Major global smartphone makers have expressed apprehension over the mandate, raising concerns about device security, user privacy and precedent-setting regulation. Industry representatives intend to engage the government through formal channels to seek clarity and mitigation. The debate underscores the broader challenge of balancing digital security with individual rights in an increasingly regulated telecom ecosystem.