Central Government Withdraws Mandatory Sanchar Saathi App Amid Backlash

New Delhi: After a massive backlash from the public, opposition parties, and even major smartphone manufacturers, the government has decided to withdraw its earlier directive mandating the pre-installation of the Sanchar Saathi app on all new devices. The app, launched to help track and block stolen phones and prevent misuse, will now remain available for voluntary download, allowing users to choose whether to install it.

The controversial order, issued on November 28 by the Department of Telecommunications, required all smartphone makers to pre-install the app on new devices and push it via updates to older ones. It also specified that the app should be"readily visible and accessible' and that its functionalities could not be disabled or restricted. The communications ministry had explained that this was directed at manufacturers to ensure compliance and was not intended to restrict users from deleting or deregistering the app.

Critics, including opposition parties and privacy advocates, warned that the mandate could infringe on personal privacy, alleging that the app might be capable of reading messages or listening to calls. Manufacturers like Apple and Samsung reportedly voiced concerns about the order, highlighting potential conflicts with user privacy norms.

CPI M emerged as a vocal critic of the policy. Party leaders, including MPs, argued that the directive violated the fundamental right to privacy. They pointed out that while the government claimed the app was secure and only for tracking stolen phones, the pre-installation mandate effectively left many users, especially those less tech-savvy, with no real choice.

Communications Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia defended the app, insisting that it could not snoop on users. He emphasised that the app only becomes operational once a user registers and that it can be uninstalled at any time. The ministry also clarified that the app only accesses phone functions like making or managing calls, sending SMS for one-time verification, or using the camera for reporting fraud. It does not access contacts, other apps, location, microphone, Bluetooth, or other sensitive data without explicit permission during each interaction.

Despite the government citing increasing user adoption, over 1.5 crore downloads, tracing 26 lakh stolen handsets, returning 7 lakh phones, disconnecting 41 lakh mobile connections, and blocking 6 lakh frauds, the uproar over privacy and surveillance concerns, amplified by opposition parties, led to the government stepping back from its original order. Now, the app will continue to gain users voluntarily, without imposing on citizen's freedom to control their own devices.