Government withdraws mandate for mandatory installation of Sanchar Saathi after privacy outcry
Facebook
Twitter
LinkedIn
WhatsApp
Summary: The government reversed its order obligating all new smartphones to have Sanchar Saathi pre-installed.
In a surprising reversal, the government has scrapped its directive that would’ve forced smartphone manufacturers to pre-install the home-grown cyber safety app Sanchar Saathi on all new devices sold in India.
The mandate, issued late last week, had stirred a political and public uproar. Several opposition leaders publicly denounced the move as a massive “breach of privacy.”
One senior lawmaker argued it could give the government — or anyone able to exploit the system — access to personal data, location, messages, and more.
Global smartphone makers weren’t silent either. Some — including companies known for their strict data-privacy stances — signalled they would resist complying.
The government initially defended the move by stating that the app was designed to prevent mobile theft, block fraudulent or cloned phones, and protect users from cyber fraud.
However, critics contended that making the app non-removable might discreetly turn every device into a surveillance tool, effectively undermining user consent.
In response to the criticism, the government made it clear that Sanchar Saathi was meant to be a tool that people could choose to use instead of having to. They also said that the preload order would be revoked.
Civil rights organizations and opposition parties welcomed the overturned decision, as they claimed it violated the right to privacy.
The event shows sensitive issues of digital privacy and government involvement are, especially when millions of smartphone users are involved. For now, Sanchar Saathi will remain available in app stores, but its installation and usage are entirely optional.
