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Sanchar Sathi app controversy

The Central government’s directive to pre-install the Sanchar Sathi app on all mobile phones has sparked a major political controversy on Tuesday. The opposition termed it unconstitutional and a tool of surveillance, while the government clarified that it is not mandatory to install or activate the app and consumers can remove it at any time.

Department of Telecommunications order

The Department of Telecommunications had issued an order on November 28 that all new smartphones should have the Sanchar Sathi app pre-installed. For devices that do not have this app, it will be made available through software update. This step was taken to prevent cyber fraud and protect mobile users.

Opposition reaction

The opposition has reacted sharply to this order of the government. Priyanka Gandhi Vadra called it a ‘snooping app’ and talked about the right to privacy of the citizens. Congress leader KC Venugopal described it as a ‘Big Brother model’ and said that it can keep an eye on the activities of citizens.

Government’s clarification

Rejecting these allegations, the government said that Union Communications Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia said that the use of the app is completely optional. He said that this app has helped in preventing cyber fraud worth about Rs 22,800 crore in 2024.

App Functionality

According to the government, through this app one can get information like IMEI verification, complaint of stolen phone and mobile connections issued in the name of the consumer. So far, more than 1.5 crore people have downloaded this app and around 20 lakh stolen devices have been tracked.

BJP’s defense

BJP has also termed the allegations of surveillance as wrong. Party spokesperson Sambit Patra said the app does not access consumer messages, calls or personal data and is only intended to provide security.

situation on the technical front

According to reports, Apple is not in favor of following this order and the company is preparing to inform the government that it cannot compulsorily pre-load any government app due to its system. Samsung and Google are also investigating the legal and technical details of this order.

future prospects

A resolution to this dispute seems far away, and the issue is likely to continue to be debated between the government, opposition and mobile companies in the coming days.