SRINAGAR: The Indian government withdrew its order on Wednesday, mandating the pre-installation of the Sanchar Saathi cybersecurity app on all smartphones sold in the country, citing the app’s growing popularity and public acceptance. The move comes after widespread concerns over privacy, digital rights, and potential surveillance, coupled with resistance from major smartphone manufacturers, including Apple and Samsung.
Sanchar Saathi, developed by the Department of Telecommunications, billed as a citizen-centric safety tool, is a “security and awareness” platform designed to help citizens manage their digital identities and protect themselves from cyber fraud. The app allows users to verify their device’s IMEI number, report stolen phones, flag suspicious activity, and access educational content on telecom safety and cybersecurity. It operates purely to safeguard users, requires voluntary participation, and can be uninstalled at any time.
Government officials clarified that the app serves no purpose other than protecting users and emphasised that it was intended to empower citizens to participate in reporting cybercrime. Communications Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia reiterated in Parliament that “snooping is neither possible nor will it happen with the Sanchar Saathi safety app,” and stressed that the pre-installation mandate was aimed at increasing accessibility for less tech-savvy citizens.
The app has seen rapid adoption, with over 1.4 crore users currently registered and reporting around 2,000 fraud incidents daily. On Tuesday alone, 6 lakh users downloaded the app, marking a tenfold increase in uptake. The government stated that the pre-installation order was originally intended to accelerate adoption but is no longer necessary, given the app’s growing popularity.
The rollback follows protests by opposition parties and privacy advocates, who warned that mandatory pre-installation could violate citizens’ rights to privacy. Congress leaders Priyanka Gandhi Vadra and Karti Chidambaram criticised the directive, likening it to surveillance practices in authoritarian states. Priyanka Chaturvedi of the Shiv Sena called it “another Big Boss surveillance moment.”
Industry sources noted that smartphone manufacturers, including Apple and Samsung, had raised concerns about the mandate, citing conflicts with global privacy norms and a lack of prior consultation. Digital advocacy groups welcomed the reversal but urged the government to publish a formal legal order detailing revised directions under the Cyber Security Rules, 2024, describing the decision as “cautious optimism” until independently verified.
The government framed the rollback as a response to public feedback, emphasising that voluntary adoption remains central to enhancing digital safety while respecting citizen privacy. Sanchar Saathi continues to be available for download on both Android and Apple devices for those wishing to use it.
