In a significant clarification, the Indian government stated on Tuesday that mobile phone users are free to delete the state-run Sanchar Saathi application if they do not wish to keep it on their devices. This statement comes a day after a major controversy erupted over a government order mandating the pre-loading of the app on all new smartphones sold in the country.
Minister Addresses Privacy Fears
Communications Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia directly addressed the widespread concerns about user privacy and potential surveillance. He asserted that the fears were completely unfounded. "There is no chance of snooping or call monitoring through the app," Scindia told reporters outside Parliament.
He emphasized that the app's primary purpose is to protect citizens from cyber frauds. "It is our responsibility to make this app reach everyone. If you want to delete it, delete it. If you don't want to use it, don't register it. If you register it, it will remain active. If you don't register it, it will be inactive," the minister explained.
The Mandate and the Clarification
The controversy stems from a November 21 order from the Department of Telecom (DoT). The directive, issued under the Telecommunications (Telecom Cyber Security) Rules, 2024, mandates phone manufacturers to pre-install the Sanchar Saathi app. Non-compliance can lead to action under the Telecommunications Act, 2023.
The order also instructed manufacturers to "ensure that the pre-installed Sanchar Saathi application is readily visible and accessible … and that its functionalities are not disabled or restricted." However, government sources later clarified that this phrase is a direction to manufacturers, not a restriction on end-users.
"It simply means manufacturers must not hide, cripple or pre-install a non-functional version of the app and later claim compliance. Nowhere it has been mentioned... that the app cannot be uninstalled by the end user," the sources said.
Political and Industry Backlash
The move has drawn sharp criticism from opposition parties and raised alarms within the global mobile industry. The Congress party called it another attempt by the BJP government to snoop on citizens, referencing the previous Pegasus spyware allegations.
Simultaneously, top global smartphone makers like Apple, Samsung, and Google have expressed serious concerns. Industry executives view the mandate as a violation of user privacy and a potential cybersecurity risk. They are planning to raise the issue directly with government representatives and through the industry body ICEA (India Cellular and Electronics Association).
Scindia, defending the app, shared that it has seen over 1.5 crore downloads and has been instrumental in disconnecting more than 2.7 crore fraudulent mobile connections and tracing approximately 20 lakh stolen phones.
