Govt Softens Stand on Mandatory Pre-Installation of Sanchar Saathi App After Surveillance Concerns

Following a wave of concerns regarding potential state surveillance and breaches of user privacy, the government has seemingly softened its stance on the mandatory pre-installation of the state-run Sanchar Saathi app on all new smartphones. This decision comes just a day after the initial directive sparked considerable debate and criticism.

Communications Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia addressed the concerns, stating that users are free to delete the application if they choose. He emphasized that the app is designed to protect users from cyber fraud and that fears of surveillance are unfounded. "If you want to delete it, then delete it," Scindia told reporters, reassuring that the app would remain inactive until a user registers. If they don't register, it will remain inactive. He reiterated the government's responsibility to make citizens aware of the app's existence and its potential benefits in combating fraud and theft.

The initial order, issued by the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) on November 28, 2025, mandated the pre-installation of the Sanchar Saathi app under the Telecommunications (Telecom Cyber Security) Rules, 2024, and its subsequent amendments. The order stipulated that the app's functionalities should not be disabled or restricted. This raised questions about whether users would indeed have the freedom to delete the app, especially if it were embedded within the operating system.

Tech experts have pointed out that apps embedded in the operating system are typically undeletable, while some secondary apps, though not visible, might still operate in the background. Concerns were also raised regarding the app's access permissions, with experts noting that Sanchar Saathi, like many other apps, seeks access to call logs, phone camera, notifications, dialer, and SMS.

The government has been promoting Sanchar Saathi as a crucial tool to combat telecom fraud and enhance cybersecurity. The app allows users to report suspected fraud, spam, and malicious links via call, SMS, or WhatsApp. It also enables users to block stolen handsets and check the number of mobile connections registered in their name. One key feature is the ability to report suspicious international calls with the Indian country code (+91). The government has framed the app as necessary to tackle threats facing telecom cybersecurity, including spoofed IMEI numbers that can be used to facilitate scams and network misuse. The ministry added that pre-installation is required to safeguard citizens from buying non-genuine handsets and enable easy reporting of suspected misuse of telecom resources.

The DoT believes the mandate will streamline fraud reporting, as users currently need to visit a website to report fraud or stolen phones. Since its launch, the app has reportedly helped block millions of stolen or lost mobile phones and fraudulent connections.

The directive initially gave manufacturers 90 days to comply, including pushing the app to existing devices via software updates. Major mobile device manufacturers, including Apple, Oppo, Vivo, Xiaomi, and Samsung, were given 90 days to pre-install the app on new mobile phones. However, the recent statement from the Communications Minister suggests a potential shift in the implementation of this order. It remains to be seen how the government will reconcile its initial mandate with the stated freedom for users to delete the app.