{"id":12527,"date":"2025-12-04T15:51:13","date_gmt":"2025-12-04T10:21:13","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.goseeko.com\/blog\/?p=12527"},"modified":"2025-12-04T19:54:56","modified_gmt":"2025-12-04T14:24:56","slug":"sanchar-saathi-app-row-government-withdraws-mandatory-pre-installation-order-after-privacy-backlash","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.goseeko.com\/blog\/sanchar-saathi-app-row-government-withdraws-mandatory-pre-installation-order-after-privacy-backlash\/","title":{"rendered":"Sanchar Saathi App Row: Government Withdraws Mandatory Pre-Installation Order After Privacy Backlash"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Opposition flags surveillance fears, government clarifies app will remain optional<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

 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 Following widespread opposition criticism and public concern, the government has now withdrawn the mandatory order, making the app completely optional for users.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What Is Sanchar Saathi?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Sanchar Saathi is a digital platform developed by the Department of Telecommunications (DoT). It allows citizens to:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Check if a mobile phone is genuine using its IMEI number<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Report fraud calls and messages<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Block lost or stolen phones<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Check mobile numbers registered in their name<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Access trusted bank and financial helplines<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The system works using the IMEI (International Mobile Equipment Identity) \u2014 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

 What Was the Government\u2019s Original Order?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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