The central government has decided to withdraw its order that made the pre-installation of the Sanchar Saathi cyber safety app mandatory on all new smartphones. This decision comes after significant backlash, particularly from Opposition parties and digital rights activists, who raised strong concerns about potential surveillance and a breach of citizens’ privacy.
The controversy began when the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) issued an order on November 28, instructing mobile manufacturers to pre-install the Sanchar Saathi app on new devices and also push it to existing phones through software updates. The government stated that the app’s primary purpose was to protect users from cybercrimes, such as mobile phone fraud and tracking lost or stolen devices. Officials also clarified that the app was voluntary, could be uninstalled by users, and would only become functional after a user chose to register.
However, the Opposition remained unconvinced, comparing the mandatory pre-installation to a surveillance mechanism that could encroach upon the personal lives of citizens. They demanded a rollback of the directive, leading to an intense political uproar.
Acknowledging the growing public acceptance and the political controversy, the Centre ultimately chose to revoke the mandatory pre-installation order. The Ministry of Communications has now stated that, given the app’s increasing popularity and voluntary downloads, making it mandatory for manufacturers is no longer necessary. This move signifies a clear response to the privacy concerns raised. It is worth noting that despite the controversy, over 1.5 crore people had already downloaded the Sanchar Saathi app before the mandatory order was withdrawn, which the government cited as a reason for its reversal, claiming it showed the public’s faith in the app. The app will continue to be available for voluntary download on app stores.
Deputy Editor, Prime Post
With an illustrious career spanning 29 years in the dynamic field of journalism, Anand Gantela is a seasoned professional who has made significant contributions to both print and electronic media. His wealth of experience reflects a deep understanding of the ever-evolving landscape of news reporting.
