A major controversy has erupted after the Centre directed smartphone manufacturers to pre-install the government’s Sanchar Saathi app on all devices sold or imported in India. Opposition parties alleged that the move resembles state surveillance, even as the government insisted the step is meant to curb cyber fraud.
What Triggered the Row
On November 28, the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) instructed phonemakers to ensure Sanchar Saathi is pre-loaded on all new devices and pushed to existing phones through software updates. The order also said the app’s functionalities must remain visible and cannot be restricted.
The government said the initiative aims to help users block stolen phones, verify IMEI numbers, and report cyber fraud through features like Chakshu. Sanchar Saathi has already helped block over 42 lakh stolen phones and assisted in recovering around 7 lakh devices.
Opposition Slams the Order
The directive immediately drew strong criticism.
Congress leader K.C. Venugopal termed it “beyond unconstitutional,” calling the app a “dystopian tool to monitor every Indian.” Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Priyanka Chaturvedi described it as another “BIG BOSS surveillance moment,” while other leaders compared it to the Pegasus spyware controversy.
Digital rights experts also warned that pre-installed apps often receive enhanced permissions, raising fears that such software could be misused for deeper access into devices.
Industry Concerns Surface
According to industry sources, the directive was issued without prior consultation with smartphone companies. Reports indicate that tech giants like Apple and Samsung may push back, citing long-standing privacy and security policies that oppose forced pre-installations.
Government Backtracks
Facing political backlash, Union Telecom Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia clarified on Tuesday that Sanchar Saathi is not mandatory.
“If you want, activate it. If you don’t, don’t activate it. You can also delete it,” the minister said, stressing that the app does not enable surveillance or call monitoring.
The clarification, however, appears to contradict the DoT’s written order, which instructed manufacturers to ensure that the app cannot be disabled or restricted.
What Happens Next
The controversy has now escalated into a larger debate over privacy, digital rights, and user consent. While the government maintains that the app’s objective is cyber-safety, Opposition parties continue to demand a complete rollback of the directive.
Smartphone companies have 90 days to respond—setting the stage for further confrontation between industry, government, and privacy advocates.
