Government Orders To Pre-Install Sanchar Saathi App On Smartphones: Are There Any Privacy Concerns?

Sanchaar Saathi pre-installed app: The government’s directive to preload the Sanchar Saathi app on every new smartphone sold in India has triggered a national argument. The app began as a voluntary platform to help trace stolen phones and weed out fraudulent SIMs. Bundling it by default, however, has raised hard questions about privacy, surveillance and mandatory digital policies.

Smartphone makers now have 120 days to comply—90 days to preload the app and 30 days to report back. Existing devices may receive it through upcoming software updates as well.

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Why an Add-on App?

India is dealing with a surge in mobile-based cybercrime: SIM cloning, fake identities, stolen phones and misuse of telecom IDs. Sanchar Saathi was designed to help with these problems by tapping into central databases that verify a phone’s IMEI, its active SIMs and suspicious re-registrations.

Officials say the idea isn’t to monitor users but to give everyone a built-in tool that can help block fraudulent activity immediately, without hunting for apps or relying on third-party platforms.

Are There Any Privacy Concerns?

On the Play Store, Sanchar Saathi claims not to collect personal data.

But during setup, it does request permissions such as phone and SMS access, and in some cases camera, call logs or notification access. In a country increasingly sensitive about digital privacy, that alone sparks suspicion.

Some cybersecurity experts warn that any state-linked platform operating at a national scale needs tight guardrails. They point to three key concerns:

- How much data is collected

- How long it is stored

- Who can request access

Without clear limits, even a well-intentioned tool can become intrusive over time.

The Other Side of the Argument

There are professionals who believe the backlash is exaggerated.

They argue that most users never set up security tools themselves. And since most telecom-related fraud happens through stolen devices, fake KYC, or SIM identity misuse, having Sanchar Saathi pre-installed may stop crime before it even begins.

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They also point to the listing itself: no personal-data collection, no hidden surveillance systems, and clear user controls.

Government Clarification

Amid growing pressure, Communications Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia issued a public clarification mentioning that the app remains optional.

Users can disable or delete it like any other application.

He also dismissed concerns about snooping, saying the app does not monitor calls or messages and exists purely to enhance mobile security.

#WATCH | Delhi | On the debate around Sanchar Saathi app, Union Minister for Communications Jyotiraditya Scindia says, "When the opposition has no issues, and they are trying to find some, we cannot help them. Our duty is to help the consumers and ensure their safety. The Sanchar… https://t.co/Kr3juNrGFq pic.twitter.com/npwm9R1Kf2

— ANI (@ANI) December 2, 2025

Officials highlight results so far:

- More than 1.75 crore fake or suspicious connections disconnected

- About 20 lakh stolen phones traced

- 7.5 lakh returned to original owners

The DoT says making the app easily available simply ensures citizens aren’t left unprotected.

Apple vs Government?

According to Reuters, Apple may not comply at all.

Sources say the company will cite its global privacy policies and the security boundaries that define iOS. Apple’s stance is reportedly that it does not pre-install government apps anywhere and won’t start now. Samsung and others are still reviewing the directive.

This doesn’t mean Apple plans a legal battle. But it signals that at least one major player is uncomfortable with a mandatory state app—even if it can be removed.

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Conclusion

If the app stays uninstallable and transparent in what it collects and why, it may settle into the role the government claims: a digital safety tool with real benefits. But the public reaction reveals something important:

People now expect clear answers, strong safeguards and explicit limits wherever technology touches their phones, identity, or data.

Sanchar Saathi may survive this moment.

The bigger story is that India’s digital citizens are no longer willing to accept “trust us” as a complete answer.