New Delhi: A recent order mandating the pre-installation of the Sanchar Saathi app on all new smartphones in India has ignited a heated debate, with concerns raised about privacy and potential government surveillance. The controversy prompted a swift clarification from Union Telecom Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia, who emphasized that the app is entirely optional and can be deleted by users at any time.
The Department of Telecommunications (DoT) issued the directive on November 28, instructing mobile phone manufacturers and importers to pre-load the Sanchar Saathi application on all new devices. This order, made under the provisions of the Telecom Cyber Security Act, aimed to combat cyber fraud, prevent the sale of non-genuine handsets, and facilitate the reporting of suspected misuse of telecom resources. The app is designed to help users track their mobile connections, verify the authenticity of their devices, and block stolen phones. It also allows users to report fraudulent calls and harmful links.
However, the mandatory nature of the pre-installation sparked immediate backlash from privacy advocates and opposition parties. Critics argued that forcing a government-backed app onto every phone, particularly one with broad access permissions, infringes on citizens' right to privacy, as enshrined in Article 21 of the Constitution. Concerns were amplified by reports that the app could not be uninstalled or disabled, effectively turning every smartphone into a potential surveillance device.
Congress MP Karti Chidambaram likened the Sanchar Saathi app to "Pegasus plus plus," while other opposition figures and privacy activists voiced fears of a "Big Brother" scenario, where the government could monitor calls, texts, and locations. Rajya Sabha MP Priyanka Chaturvedi described the mandate as "another BIG BOSS surveillance moment".
In response to the escalating controversy, Minister Scindia clarified that the Sanchar Saathi app is not mandatory and that users have the freedom to delete it. "If you don't want Sanchar Saathi, you can delete it. It is optional," Scindia stated, emphasizing the government's responsibility to introduce the app but leaving the decision to use it to individual users. He also refuted claims of snooping or call monitoring, assuring the public that the app is designed to empower users and enhance their digital safety, not to intrude on their privacy.
Scindia highlighted the app's potential to combat telecom fraud, noting that the Sanchar Saathi portal has facilitated the disconnection of nearly 1.75 crore fraudulent mobile connections, traced around 20 lakh stolen phones, and returned approximately 7.5 lakh stolen phones to their owners. He urged the public to avoid "misconceptions" about the app, emphasizing its role in customer protection.
Despite the Minister's assurances, concerns persist regarding the app's data collection practices and potential misuse of permissions. Security analysis has revealed that the app can access the camera, read call logs, access external storage, and gather phone information, raising questions about the extent of user data being collected and how it is being protected. The debate underscores the delicate balance between national security, digital safety, and individual privacy rights in an increasingly connected world.
