Opposition flags surveillance fears, government clarifies app will remain optional
A controversy over digital privacy and state surveillance broke out after the Union government ordered mobile phone companies to pre-install the Sanchar Saathi app on all smartphones sold in India. Following widespread opposition criticism and public concern, the government has now withdrawn the mandatory order, making the app completely optional for users.
What Is Sanchar Saathi?
Sanchar Saathi is a digital platform developed by the Department of Telecommunications (DoT). It allows citizens to:
Check if a mobile phone is genuine using its IMEI number
Report fraud calls and messages
Block lost or stolen phones
Check mobile numbers registered in their name
Access trusted bank and financial helplines
The system works using the IMEI (International Mobile Equipment Identity) — a 15-digit unique number assigned to every mobile phone. It acts like a digital fingerprint of the device and helps prevent misuse and theft.
What Was the Government’s Original Order?
On November 28, the government directed smartphone makers such as Apple, Samsung, Google, Motorola, Xiaomi, Oppo and Vivo to pre-install the Sanchar Saathi app on all new phones within 90 days.
The order was issued under the Telecommunications (Telecom Cybersecurity) Rules, 2024, and companies were asked to submit compliance reports within 120 days, or face penalties.
What were the major concerns raised?
Several Opposition leaders criticised the move, calling it a threat to citizens’ privacy.
Congress leader K. C. Venugopal said that the right to privacy is part of the fundamental right to life and liberty under Article 21 of the Constitution.
CPI(M) Rajya Sabha MP John Brittas compared the move to the Pegasus spyware controversy, warning against mass surveillance.
What Was the Pegasus Controversy?
The Pegasus controversy came to light in 2021, when reports claimed that a powerful spyware was used to secretly spy on journalists, activists, judges, and politicians. The spyware could access messages, calls, cameras, microphones, and even encrypted apps without the user’s knowledge.
Since the government never gave a clear explanation then, many citizens today fear that any government-controlled app could be misused for surveillance.
Government’s Clarification and Final Decision
Amid rising criticism, Union Telecom Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia clarified that the Sanchar Saathi app would not be compulsory and that:
“Users will be free to delete the app if they wish.”
Soon after, on December 3, 2025, the Department of Telecommunications officially withdrew the earlier direction, cancelling the mandatory installation order.
The government also said that the app is only meant to protect people from fake mobile phones and cyber fraud, and not to spy on citizens.
Why This Issue Is Important
The Sanchar Saathi controversy highlights an important national debate between:
Cybersecurity and personal privacy
Public safety and government surveillance
Technology use and citizens’ rights