Centre withdraws order making Sanchar Saathi app mandatory after privacy concerns

Government steps back from compulsory pre-installation rule, assures citizens the app remains optional and cannot be used for surveillance.

The Central government has reversed its decision directing mobile manufacturers to pre-install the Sanchar Saathi application on all new phones. The move comes after widespread criticism that the mandate could undermine citizens’ privacy and enable monitoring of user activity.

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Sanchar Saathi was originally introduced as a digital safety tool to help citizens trace lost or stolen phones and prevent telecom-related fraud. However, soon after the mandate was announced, public debate intensified over the possibility of the app being misused for surveillance. Opposition parties also raised concerns regarding data security and whether such an order aligns with constitutional protections.

During a discussion in the Lok Sabha, the government clarified its position, stating that the app cannot function as a surveillance mechanism under any circumstance. Sanchar Saathi does not activate automatically, and it cannot operate unless a user opens it, registers voluntarily, and chooses to use its services. Officials reiterated that citizens retain full control to install or delete the app at any time.

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The Centre emphasised that Sanchar Saathi should be treated like any other optional mobile application. The stated aim of the platform remains the protection of mobile users across the country from fraud, theft, and misuse. The government also indicated that rules governing the platform may be revised in the future based on public feedback and suggestions, highlighting that citizen trust remains central to the initiative.