In a swift clarification following a significant public and political backlash, the Indian government has stated that users are free to delete the state-run Sanchar Saathi application if they do not wish to keep it on their newly purchased smartphones. The move comes a day after a government order mandating the pre-loading of the app sparked widespread concerns over state surveillance and user privacy.
Minister Scindia Addresses Surveillance Concerns
Communications Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia directly addressed the fears, asserting that the app is designed solely to protect citizens from cyber fraud and theft. "If you want to delete it, then delete it," Scindia told reporters outside Parliament on Wednesday, responding to questions raised by the opposition Congress party. He emphasized that the app does not enable snooping or call monitoring.
"It is our responsibility to make this app reach everyone," Scindia stated. "If you don't want to use it, then don't register it. If you register it, then it will remain active. If you don't register it, then it will remain inactive." The Minister highlighted the app's utility, noting it allows users to verify the authenticity of a phone's IMEI number and check for fraudulent mobile connections.
Clarifying the DoT's November 21 Order
The controversy stemmed from a November 21 order issued by the Department of Telecom (DoT) under the Telecommunications (Telecom Cyber Security) Rules, 2024. The order mandated the pre-installation of the Sanchar Saathi app on all new smartphones and instructed that "its functionalities are not disabled or restricted." Non-compliance by manufacturers would lead to action under the Telecommunications Act, 2023.
This phrasing initially led to confusion about whether users themselves could uninstall the application. However, government sources later clarified that the directive was aimed at manufacturers, not end-users. The clause ensures that phone makers cannot hide, cripple, or install a non-functional version of the app to merely claim compliance.
"Nowhere it has been mentioned in the above clause that the Sanchar Saathi App cannot be uninstalled by the end user," a source explained. "It is up to the citizen if he wants to enable and register Sanchar Saathi Mobile App or wants to uninstall it."
App's Track Record and Political Reactions
Dismissing opposition charges that drew parallels to a similar mandate in Russia for a state-backed app, Minister Scindia cited the Sanchar Saathi portal's achievements. He revealed that the app has seen over 1.5 crore downloads to date. Furthermore, its use has led to the disconnection of approximately 2.75 crore fraudulent mobile connections and the tracing of about 20 lakh stolen phones.
Despite the government's assurances, the episode has ignited a debate on the balance between national security initiatives, consumer choice, and the right to digital privacy. The clarification that the app can be removed appears to be an attempt to alleviate immediate public concern while maintaining the policy's core objective of widespread awareness and availability of the anti-fraud tool.
