A major controversy has erupted over the Indian government's latest directive to smartphone manufacturers, with AIMIM president Asaduddin Owaisi accusing the Centre of enabling "government snooping" on citizens. The flashpoint is a Department of Telecommunications (DoT) order making the Sanchar Saathi application mandatory on all mobile handsets.
The Directive and the Immediate Backlash
The Department of Telecom issued a crucial order on November 28, directing all manufacturers and importers of mobile phones to ensure the Sanchar Saathi app is pre-installed on every new device sold in India. Furthermore, the directive mandates that the app be pushed to existing phones through a software update. Companies have been given a compliance window: all phones manufactured or imported 90 days after the order must have the app, and adherence must be reported within 120 days.
Reacting sharply, Asaduddin Owaisi took to social media platform X to condemn the move. He labelled it "another effort" by the Narendra Modi-led government to "destroy citizen privacy." Owaisi expressed particular concern over the app being mandatory and potentially unremovable, stating it would make every user's device "susceptible to govt snooping." He also pointed out that the circular was not made public, which he said reflected poorly on the government's transparency.
Government's Firm Rebuttal on Privacy Concerns
The Union Minister for Communications, Jyotiraditya Scindia, swiftly dismissed the allegations of surveillance. He clarified to reporters that the government has no intention to spy on anyone through the Sanchar Saathi app. Scindia emphasised that the app's primary purpose is to empower users, allowing them to block lost or stolen phones and report fraudulent communications like phishing calls and messages.
"Users can decide to keep the Sanchar Saathi app or delete it," Scindia asserted, directly countering the fear of forced installation. He explained the government's rationale, stating that while awareness of such security tools is low, the app is crucial for public protection. "If you want to delete it, then delete it. But not everyone in the country knows that this app exists to protect them from fraud and theft," the minister added.
Clarification on App Functionality and User Choice
Elaborating further, Minister Scindia detailed the user-centric design of the application. He stressed that the onus of activation lies entirely with the individual. "It is our responsibility to make this app reach everyone. 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," he stated. This clarification aims to separate the installation process from actual usage and data access, which requires explicit user registration.
Despite these assurances, Owaisi and several other opposition leaders remain unconvinced. They continue to flag the broader privacy implications of mandating the installation of any government-backed application on personal devices, arguing that it sets a concerning precedent. The debate underscores the ongoing tension in the digital age between state-led security initiatives and the fundamental right to personal privacy.
