The Indian government moved to clarify its position on Tuesday regarding the controversial Sanchar Saathi application, stating clearly that users have the option to delete the app from their mobile phones. The Centre emphasized that its role was solely to introduce the cybersecurity tool to the public.
Political Row Over Pre-Installation Mandate
The clarification from the Union government came in response to a significant political controversy that erupted following a directive from the Department of Telecommunications (DoT). The mandate required mobile handset manufacturers to pre-install the Sanchar Saathi app on devices sold across India. Officials described this move, announced a day prior, as a crucial step towards strengthening cybersecurity and curbing the misuse of IMEI numbers.
However, the decision was met with immediate and strong criticism from opposition leaders, who raised serious alarms about potential privacy violations. The opposition likened the government's action to the infamous Pegasus spyware scandal, branding Sanchar Saathi a "snooping app."
Government's Stance: An Optional Tool
Addressing the concerns, Union Minister for Communications, Jyotiraditya Scindia, provided a clear statement. "If you don't want Sanchar Sathi, you can delete it. It is optional... It is our duty to introduce this app to everyone. Keeping it in their devices or not, is upto the user," Scindia was quoted as saying by the ANI news agency.
This statement directly countered the narrative of compulsion, framing the app as a citizen-centric initiative meant for empowerment and security, with the final choice resting with the individual mobile subscriber.
Opposition Voices Privacy and Democracy Concerns
The opposition's reaction was swift and severe. Congress MP Priyanka Gandhi Vadra condemned the pre-installation order, calling it a "dictatorship" move. "It is a snooping app. It's ridiculous. Citizens have the right to privacy. Everyone must have the right to privacy to send messages to family, friends, without the government looking at everything... They are turning this country into a dictatorship in every form," she asserted.
Senior Congress leader Shashi Tharoor offered a more nuanced critique, suggesting utility but questioning compulsion. "I have not studied the issue in full detail, but common sense tells me that these apps can be useful provided they are voluntary. Everybody who needs them should be able to download them. Making anything compulsory in a democracy is troubling," Tharoor stated. He further urged the government to publicly explain its logic and engage in a discussion rather than simply issuing an order.
According to the Department of Telecommunications, the Sanchar Saathi platform is designed as a "citizen centric initiative" aimed at empowering mobile users, enhancing their security, and increasing awareness about government services. The current controversy highlights the delicate balance between state-led cybersecurity measures and the fundamental right to privacy in the world's largest democracy.
