• Source:JND
Add as a preferred

Sanchar Saathi App Controversy: Union Minister for Communications, Jyotiraditya Scindia, clarified on Tuesday that the use of the 'Sanchar Saathi' app on mobile devices is entirely voluntary, and consumers have the freedom to delete or not install it, just as they would with any other app. Scindia reiterated that neither installation nor activation is mandatory, providing reassurance that users have full autonomy in deciding whether to use it.

However, despite this claim, the government's official directive mandates that users cannot disable or limit the app's features. According to the press release, it states clearly, "Ensure that the pre-installed Sanchar Saathi application is readily visible and accessible to end users at the time of first use or device setup and that its functionalities are not disabled or restricted."

Scindia affirmed that consumers retain control, stating, "If you want to activate it, do so. If you do not want to activate it, don’t. Delete it if you wish. It is entirely your choice."

The Minister further emphasised that the app's potential to prevent financial fraud amounting to a reported Rs 22,800 crore in 2024 should not be overshadowed by misinformation. He also dismissed political criticism, claiming that the opposition's lack of a clear agenda was leading them to manufacture controversy around the issue.

Sanchar Saathi App: What is the Controversy? Opposition Criticises Amid Privacy Concerns

- The controversy revolves around the government’s recent directive, which requires smartphone manufacturers to pre-install the 'Sanchar Saathi' app on all new mobile phones within the next 90 days. The Department of Telecommunications (DoT) mandated that the app be installed to help enhance consumer awareness and reduce the circulation of tampered or counterfeit IMEIs (International Mobile Equipment Identity).

- The app is designed to prevent mobile phone theft and reduce fraud by enabling users to block lost or stolen devices across all telecom networks. Additionally, users can report any suspicious mobile connections registered under their name and flag fraudulent calls, SMS, or WhatsApp messages. Law enforcement agencies can also track the location of blocked devices when used anywhere in India.

- However, the directive mandating the pre-installation of the 'Sanchar Saathi' cybersecurity app has provoked sharp criticism from opposition parties, who argue that the move infringes on citizens' privacy rights.

- Arvind Kejriwal, former Chief Minister of Delhi and National Convenor of the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), condemned the government's order, describing it as a "brazen attack on individual privacy and liberty." In a post on X (formerly Twitter), Kejriwal demanded the immediate withdrawal of the notification, calling the pre-installation of the app an unjustified infringement on privacy.

- Congress MP KC Venugopal also voiced concern, calling the app a "dystopian tool" for surveillance. In a statement referencing George Orwell’s 1984, Venugopal warned that the app would enable the government to monitor users' movements and interactions, branding the Department of Telecommunications’ (DoT) directive unconstitutional.

ALSO READ: 'Army Pressured To Support Govt': Renuka Chowdhury's Remarks Spark Uproar; BJP Demands 'Immediate' Apology

- Congress MP Priyanka Gandhi also weighed in, suggesting that while there is a clear need for a robust cyber fraud reporting mechanism, the current rule crosses the line into privacy violation. She noted that existing discussions on cybersecurity should focus on establishing a proper fraud-reporting system rather than imposing a surveillance-heavy app that infringes on personal freedoms.

- Leader of Opposition, Rahul Gandhi refrained from commenting on the matter for now, stating that he would address the issue during parliamentary debates.

- Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Priyanka Chaturvedi criticised Scindia’s stance, accusing him of downplaying concerns about the app's limitations, particularly the inability to disable or restrict its functionality.

- Samajwadi Party MP Akhilesh Yadav also took to social media, accusing the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) of extending surveillance into citizens' private lives. Yadav claimed that under BJP rule, not only has freedom of expression been curbed, but the privacy of individuals inside their homes is under threat.

- Notably, Congress MP Shashi Tharoor expressed some reservation about the app, suggesting that it could be useful if voluntary but problematic if made compulsory. He called for a public explanation of the government's rationale behind the mandate.

- BJP MP Ravi Shankar Prasad defended the government's move, describing the app as a "suraksha kawach" (protection shield) and accusing the opposition of creating unnecessary controversy to undermine a beneficial initiative.

ALSO READ: Apple Unlikely To Implement Govt's Directive On 'Sanchar Saathi' App, May Hold Discussion To Find Middle-Path: Report

What Is Sanchar Saathi App?

Sanchar Saathi is a government-run app designed to combat cyber fraud and mobile phone theft. It is available on both iOS and Android and has been downloaded over 5 million times since its launch. The app offers several functions:

- Users can block lost or stolen phones across all telecom networks in India.

- It allows users to verify and report fraudulent mobile connections linked to their name.

- A feature called "Chakshu" enables users to report fraudulent calls, SMS, or WhatsApp messages.

Also In News