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Kejriwal Slams Modi Govt: Sanchar Saathi App a "Brazen Attack on Liberty"

Arvind Kejriwal has launched a sharp attack on the Centre over a new directive for mobile phones. He claims the order to pre-install the Sanchar Saathi app is a severe infringement on personal freedom. However, Union Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia has countered, stating the app's use is completely optional for users. The government argues the app is a crucial tool for preventing financial fraud and ensuring device security.

Key Points: Kejriwal Criticises Mandatory Sanchar Saathi App as Privacy Attack

  • Kejriwal alleges the government notification does not seek user consent for the app's installation
  • He describes the mandate as a "gross dictatorial action" demanding its withdrawal
  • Union Minister Scindia clarifies the app's activation is entirely voluntary for consumers
  • The DoT directive aims to curb fraud by pre-installing the app to verify device authenticity
2 min read

Brazen attack on individual privacy, liberty: Arvind Kejriwal slams Centre over Sanchar Saathi app mandate

Arvind Kejriwal condemns the Centre's directive to pre-install the Sanchar Saathi app, calling it dictatorial and a threat to privacy and liberty.

"The Modi government's diktat... is a brazen attack on individual privacy and liberty. No democracy in the world has ever attempted to do so. - Arvind Kejriwal"

New Delhi, December 2

Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) National Convener Arvind Kejriwal on Tuesday strongly criticised the Modi government's directive requiring all mobile manufacturers to pre-install the Sanchar Saarthi app on new and existing phones, calling it a "brazen attack on individual privacy and liberty."

In a post on X, Kejriwal alleged that the notification neither seeks user consent nor provides the option to uninstall the app, describing it as a "gross dictatorial action" and demanding its immediate withdrawal.

"The Modi government's diktat to all mobile manufacturers to install the Sanchar Saarthi app on all new and existing phones is a brazen attack on individual privacy and liberty. No democracy in the world has ever attempted to do so. The notification issued by the government has no mention of seeking individual consent to install the app or providing the option to delete it at any time. @AamAadmiParty condemns such gross dictatorial actions and demands immediate withdrawal of the notification," Kejriwal wrote on X.

Earlier today, Union Minister for Communications Jyotiraditya Scindia clarified that activation of the 'Sanchar Saathi' app on mobile devices is entirely voluntary. He emphasised that users can choose to use the app or delete it at any time, just like any other application.

Scindia clarified that the Sanchar Saathi application is entirely voluntary for consumers, reiterating that neither installation nor activation is mandatory.

Addressing reporters outside Parliament, he stressed that users retain full autonomy; those who do not wish to use the app are free not to register, and they may also delete it at any time.

"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," said the minister.

Scindia emphasised that misinformation should not overshadow the app's consumer-protection benefits, noting that the platform has contributed to preventing financial frauds amounting to Rs 22,800 crore in 2024.

Meanwhile, the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) has issued directions requiring manufacturers and importers to pre-install the Sanchar Saathi app on devices sold in India to enhance consumer awareness and curb the circulation of duplicate or tampered IMEIs.

Developed under the Telecom Cyber Security framework, Sanchar Saathi supports users on both Android and iOS platforms, enabling verification of device authenticity and reporting of suspected fraud, thereby strengthening India's broader telecom-cybersecurity ecosystem.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

S
Shreya B
I think we need to look at the benefits too. If this app has genuinely saved people from scams worth thousands of crores, that's a big deal. Many of our parents and grandparents are vulnerable to such frauds. Maybe a pre-installed safety tool isn't all bad? 🤔
A
Aman W
Typical political drama. One side cries dictatorship, the other says it's optional. The truth is probably in the middle. The government should have been clearer from the start to avoid this confusion. Just make the installation optional and let people decide.
P
Priyanka N
As a tech user, my phone is already full of bloatware I can't remove. Adding another government app by force is not okay. What data will it access? Where is the transparency? Consent is the foundation of digital rights.
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Vikram M
Scindia ji has clarified it's voluntary. So maybe Kejriwal ji is reacting to initial reports without the full picture? If we can delete it, then the issue is less severe. But the notification should explicitly state the voluntary nature to avoid fear.
K
Kavitha C
The intent to fight cyber fraud is good, but the method is wrong. Yaar, just promote the app through awareness campaigns. People will download it if it's useful. Forcing it feels like overreach. Our privacy is already so fragile.
D

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