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Venugopal's Fiery Attack: Why 'Sanchar Saathi' App Mandate Sparks Privacy Fears

Congress leader KC Venugopal has launched a sharp attack on the government over a new telecom directive. He argues that forcing a non-removable government app onto every new smartphone is an unconstitutional invasion of privacy. The app, meant to detect fake devices, is being called "state spyware" by the opposition. The Congress party plans to fight the order in the Supreme Court and through public campaigns.

Key Points: Venugopal Slams Mandatory Sanchar Saathi App as Privacy Assault

  • Congress leader KC Venugopal calls the mandatory app a blatant assault on constitutional privacy rights
  • The DoT order mandates the non-removable app on all new phones sold in India within 90 days
  • Venugopal warns the tool could monitor every movement and interaction of citizens
  • The Congress plans a Supreme Court challenge and a nationwide "No to Digital Dictatorship" campaign
2 min read

Venugopal criticises DoT move to mandate pre-installed 'Sanchar Saathi' app

Congress leader KC Venugopal calls the mandatory pre-installation of the Sanchar Saathi app unconstitutional state spyware, vowing a Supreme Court challenge.

"A factory-fitted, non-removable government app on every Indian's phone is nothing but state spyware dressed up as 'cyber security'. - K.C. Venugopal"

New Delhi, Dec 1

Congress General Secretary and Lok Sabha MP K.C. Venugopal on Monday unleashed one of his sharpest attacks ever on the Central government, calling the Department of Telecommunications' latest directive to pre-install the 'Sanchar Saathi' app on every new smartphone sold in India a "blatant assault on the Constitution" and the "final nail in the coffin of personal privacy".

In a series of explosive posts and an official statement, Venugopal wrote: "Big Brother cannot watch us. This DoT Direction is beyond unconstitutional. The Right to Privacy is a fundamental right under Article 21. A factory-fitted, non-removable government app on every Indian's phone is nothing but state spyware dressed up as 'cyber security'."

"This pre-loaded app that cannot be uninstalled is a dystopian tool to monitor every movement, every interaction, every personal decision of 1.4 billion citizens. From Pegasus to VPN bans to now forcing 'Sanchar Saathi' down every throat, this is the latest episode in the BJP's relentless war on constitutional rights. We completely reject this authoritarian Direction and demand its immediate and unconditional rollback," the senior Congress leader said.

The trigger for the outrage is a DoT order dated 28 November 2025 (No. 1-7/2025-AI DIU) that mandates every manufacturer and importer to pre-install the government's Sanchar Saathi application on all mobile handsets sold in India within 90 days.

The app, ostensibly meant to detect fake/duplicate IMEI numbers and allow citizens to report suspicious devices, will be non-disableable and must remain "readily visible and accessible" to users.

Venugopal accused the government of "weaponising a legitimate anti-fraud tool into a mass-surveillance monster" and warned that once every Indian phone permanently carries a government app that cannot be deleted, "there will be no private moment left in this country".

The Congress leader announced that the party will challenge the order in the Supreme Court and will launch a nationwide campaign "Mera Phone, Meri Marzi - No to Digital Dictatorship".

Several digital rights organisations, opposition chief ministers and even some BJP allies have expressed unease, with sources saying the issue is likely to explode when Parliament's Winter Session begins next week. As of now, the Ministry of Communications has not responded to the mounting criticism.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

S
Sarah B
As someone who works in tech, I see both sides. Stopping phone theft and duplicate IMEIs is a genuine issue in India. But making an app non-removable sets a dangerous precedent. Why not make it optional? Trust is built, not forced.
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Rohit P
Honestly, if the app is only for checking IMEI and reporting stolen phones, what's the big deal? We already give so much data to private apps like Facebook. At least this might help reduce crime. Let's see how it works first before crying foul.
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Priya S
This is terrifying. After Pegasus, we know what's possible. A non-removable government app is the definition of a surveillance state. Venugopal is right to call it an assault on Article 21. We must protest this. 🇮🇳
M
Michael C
While I understand the privacy concerns, the language used by the MP ("final nail in the coffin") seems overly dramatic for a policy debate. A more measured critique focusing on the technical implementation would be more effective than just opposition rhetoric.
K
Kavya N
My brother's phone was stolen last month. If this app can help track and block such phones, I'm all for it. Safety is also a fundamental right. But the government must publish a white paper on exactly what data the app collects and how it's used. Transparency is key.

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