The Indian government's push for its two-year-old Sanchar Saathi app has stirred considerable controversy, raising questions about cybersecurity, privacy, and government control over personal devices. The Department of Telecommunications (DoT) recently directed smartphone manufacturers to pre-install the app on all new handsets sold in India, with initial reports suggesting users would be unable to uninstall it. This mandate, aimed at combating cyber fraud and mobile theft, has been met with both support and strong opposition.

Sanchar Saathi, which translates to "communication companion," is presented as a citizen-centric initiative designed to empower mobile subscribers, strengthen their security, and increase awareness of government initiatives. The app offers several features, including the ability to block stolen phones across all telecom networks, verify IMEI (International Mobile Equipment Identity) authenticity, identify the number of mobile connections issued in a user's name, and report suspected fraud. A key function is the "Chakshu" feature, which allows users to report suspected cyber fraud, spam, and malicious links received via calls, SMS, or WhatsApp. The app also connects the device's IMEI to the Central Equipment Identity Register (CEIR), a government database that stores details of all authorized mobile phones in India.

The government argues that pre-installing Sanchar Saathi is crucial for safeguarding citizens from non-genuine handsets and enabling easy reporting of telecom resource misuse. They cite the rise in telecom-related cyber threats, particularly duplicate or spoofed IMEI numbers, as a major concern. Duplicate IMEIs allow the same phone identity to operate on multiple devices, making it difficult to track suspicious activity and block stolen phones. The app aims to prevent the resale of blacklisted or stolen phones in India's second-hand market and has helped recover over 700,000 lost phones and block millions of stolen devices and fraudulent connections since its launch in 2023.

However, the mandatory pre-installation of Sanchar Saathi has triggered significant privacy concerns. Critics argue that it infringes on the right to privacy, potentially turning personal devices into surveillance tools. Opposition parties, led by Congress, have strongly opposed the move, with some leaders calling the app a "snooping app" and a "direct attack on personal privacy". Concerns have also been raised about the broad permissions the app requests, including access to call logs, messages, camera, and network information. The initial reports that the app could not be uninstalled further fueled these anxieties, raising fears of government overreach and potential misuse of data.

In response to the growing controversy, Union Communications Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia clarified that the installation of Sanchar Saathi is not mandatory and users can delete the app if they choose. He emphasized that the app aims to curb cyber fraud and prevent the misuse of fake IMEI numbers, not to enable snooping or call monitoring. The government maintains that the app is optional and that its role is only to introduce it to everyone.

Despite these assurances, concerns persist regarding data security and potential misuse of the app's permissions. Experts emphasize the need for clear and transparent policies on data usage, retention, and deletion, as well as strong security measures to prevent unauthorized access to user data. Some users have also reported issues with the app's functionality and a lack of feedback on reported fraud cases, highlighting the need for improvements in user experience and responsiveness.

The Sanchar Saathi app controversy highlights the ongoing tension between security and privacy in the digital age. While the government seeks to leverage technology to combat cybercrime and protect citizens, concerns about data security and potential surveillance remain at the forefront. As the debate continues, it is crucial to ensure transparency, accountability, and respect for individual rights in the implementation of digital security measures.