Govt Withdraws Order Requiring Preloading of Sanchar Saathi App Following Backlash

The Indian government, through the Department of Telecommunications (DoT), recently withdrew an order that had mandated smartphone manufacturers to preinstall the state-owned Sanchar Saathi application on their devices. This decision comes just days after the original order raised widespread concerns regarding privacy and potential government surveillance among the public and industry stakeholders. The Ministry of Communications clarified that the app’s growing acceptance among users has led to the decision that pre-installation on new and old devices would no longer be mandatory, easing apprehensions around coercion and privacy violations.

Sanchar Saathi is a cybersecurity application developed by the state, aimed at enhancing user safety and providing mechanisms for reporting fraudulent or suspicious activities. The app allows users to report fraudulent calls and messages, as well as stolen mobile phones. It was designed with functionalities that could not be disabled or restricted by the end user, which had contributed to concerns that it could be potentially misused for surveillance purposes. This element of the app’s functionality was a key point of contention that fueled public debate and backlash over the compulsory pre-installation directive.

The original order, issued by the DoT on November 28, instructed smartphone manufacturers and importers to preload the Sanchar Saathi app on all new phones. Additionally, it mandated that existing phones receive the app via a software update. The order did not allow for users to disable or uninstall the app, emphasizing its mandatory nature and broad reach across all smartphone users. While the government framed this initiative as a move to strengthen cybersecurity and facilitate easy reporting of fraudulent activities, critics argued that the directive imposed on users’ freedom of choice and raised serious privacy concerns.

The controversy prompted swift responses from both the government and the industry. Several stakeholders, including smartphone manufacturers, technology experts, and privacy advocates, highlighted the risks associated with compulsory preloading of an app that could not be disabled. Concerns focused on user autonomy, potential misuse of personal data, and the precedent it might set for state intervention in private devices. The feedback received by the government appears to have played a significant role in prompting the reconsideration of the initial directive.

Telecom Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia addressed the concerns in Parliament, emphasizing the government’s willingness to revise or withdraw the order based on public and industry feedback. He clarified that if changes were required to ensure user comfort and address valid apprehensions, the government was ready to act accordingly. On issues of surveillance and spying, Scindia reassured citizens that neither unauthorized monitoring nor snooping was possible, nor would it occur. His statement aimed to alleviate fears that the Sanchar Saathi app could become a tool for intrusive surveillance or tracking of users’ personal activities.

In the press release issued by the Ministry of Communications on Wednesday, officials highlighted that the decision to revoke the pre-installation mandate reflects a balanced approach between promoting cybersecurity and respecting user choice. By removing the mandatory requirement, the government seeks to ensure that users can voluntarily adopt the app while retaining control over their devices. This move aligns with the broader objective of fostering public trust in state-developed digital initiatives while addressing legitimate concerns about privacy, autonomy, and data security.

Overall, the revocation of the Sanchar Saathi preloading order represents a significant step in India’s approach to digital governance and cybersecurity. It underscores the government’s responsiveness to public feedback and its effort to strike a balance between security measures and individual rights. The decision may also set a precedent for how future government directives involving mandatory digital tools are formulated, emphasizing consultation, transparency, and respect for user choice.