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Sanchar Saathi App Not Mandatory: Scindia Clarifies Amid Privacy Row

Union Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia has clarified that the Sanchar Saathi mobile application is not mandatory. He stated that users are free to delete the app from their smartphones if they choose. This statement comes amid a growing controversy over privacy concerns related to the app's pre-installation. The government maintains the app is part of an initiative to combat cyber fraud and ensure telecom security.

Key Points: Scindia Says Sanchar Saathi App Optional, Can Be Deleted

  • Minister Scindia states app is optional and users can delete it from devices
  • The government denies the app enables snooping or call monitoring
  • Congress MP Priyanka Gandhi criticizes the move as a privacy violation
  • New guidelines mandate app pre-installation on new phones within 90 days
2 min read

Sanchar Saathi app not mandatory, can be deleted: Scindia amid privacy row

Union Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia clarifies the Sanchar Saathi app is optional and can be deleted from phones, addressing privacy concerns raised by critics.

"If you don't want Sanchar Saathi, you can delete it. It is optional... It is our duty to introduce this app to everyone. - Jyotiraditya Scindia"

New Delhi, Dec 2

Sanchar Saathi mobile app is not mandatory and can be deleted, said Union Minister for Communications Jyotiraditya Scindia on Tuesday, amid the privacy row.

Speaking to the media, Scindia noted that keeping the app is up to individuals, and it can be deleted from smartphones.

"If you don't want Sanchar Saathi, you can delete it. It is optional... It is our duty to introduce this app to everyone. Keeping it in their devices or not is up to the user," the Union Minister said.

He also added that the "platform does not enable snooping or call monitoring".

The clarification comes as the Centre’s move to pre-install the Sanchar Saathi mobile application on all new mobile handsets manufactured or imported for use in India was seen as a breach of privacy.

Criticising the move, Congress MP Priyanka Gandhi Vadra called it a "violation of privacy and a step toward authoritarian governance".

The government maintained that it aims to safeguard the citizens from buying non-genuine items.

As per the guidelines, issued on November 28, mobile manufacturers and importers have to ensure that the pre-installed Sanchar Saathi application is readily visible and accessible to the end users at the time of first use or device setup and that its functionalities are not disabled or restricted.

Additionally, all such devices that have already been manufactured and are in sales channels in India, the manufacturer and importers of mobile handsets shall endeavour to push the app through software updates.

The companies have to complete the implementation in 90 days and submit a report in 120 days.

DoT is undertaking the Sanchar Saathi initiative for curbing the misuse of telecom resources for cyber fraud and ensuring telecom cybersecurity.

In a separate statement, the DoT said that it has observed that some of the app-based communication services that are utilising Indian mobile numbers for identification of their customers or users or for provisioning or delivery of services, allow users to consume their services without the availability of the underlying Subscriber Identity Module (SIM) within the device in which the app-based services are running.

This feature is being misused to commit cyber-frauds, especially from operating outside the country.

The issue of SIM binding in messaging apps and its misuse has been raised by multiple government bodies/agencies and an inter-ministerial group.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

R
Rohit P
Finally some clarity! The way it was being pushed via software updates on existing phones felt very intrusive. Making it optional is the right call. Now I can decide if I need it for security or not. 👍
A
Aman W
While I appreciate the intent to fight cyber fraud, the initial rollout was poorly communicated. It created unnecessary panic. The government needs better PR for such digital initiatives. The "endeavour to push" language still sounds a bit forceful, no?
S
Sarah B
As someone who has faced a phishing attempt, I welcome any tool that makes our digital space safer. If the app genuinely helps with SIM binding issues and fraud from outside the country, I'll keep it. But the privacy assurances need to be legally binding.
V
Vikram M
The problem is the pre-installation. Why force it onto new phones at all if it's optional? It should be available on the Play Store/App Store like any other app. This feels like overreach, despite the clarification. Let users choose to download it.
K
Kavya N
My father almost got scammed last month. If this app can prevent that for others, it's a good step. But the government must be transparent about what data it accesses. A simple, clear privacy policy in plain Hindi and English would help build trust. 🙏

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