Amid mounting criticism over the Centre’s directive asking mobile phone makers to pre-install the Sanchar Saathi application on all devices sold in India, Communications Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia has sought to calm concerns. He stressed that users would retain full control over the app, stating that downloading or activating Sanchar Saathi was entirely optional.
“Don’t activate it (Sanchar Saathi). If you want to keep it in your phone, keep it. If you want to delete it, do so,” he said. Drawing a comparison with other default apps, he added, “For example, when you buy a phone, many apps come pre-installed. Google Maps comes too. Now, if you don’t want to use Google Maps, delete it.”
However, Google Maps cannot be uninstalled from Android devices, it can only be disabled, though iPhone users can remove it entirely.
Scindia argued that misconceptions were driving the criticism around Sanchar Saathi, claiming the initiative was intended purely for consumer protection. “There is nothing mandatory. If you do not want to register it, don’t. It will stay dormant. And if you want to delete it, delete it,” he said. He added that the government’s aim was to ensure citizens were aware of tools available to protect them from fraud. “Not every person in the country knows that there is an app to protect him or her. So, it is our responsibility to spread the information.”
Sanchar Saathi, a digital safety platform of the Union government, offers several services aimed at protecting mobile users. These include Chakshu, a feature that allows the public to report suspected cyber fraud, malicious links, phishing attempts, and unsolicited commercial communications. According to the platform’s website, Chakshu assists in preventing the misuse of telecom resources for financial crimes and cyber offences.
The site also claims that Sanchar Saathi has been used to block 42 lakh stolen devices and has enabled the recovery of 7 lakh phones. The application has reportedly registered over one crore downloads on Android and about 10 lakh on iOS.
A fierce political debate erupted after the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) instructed all mobile phone manufacturers to pre-install Sanchar Saathi on every handset manufactured or imported into India within 90 days from 28 November.
The notification also asked companies to make the app clearly visible and accessible at first use, and to ensure its features were not blocked. Devices already in circulation would receive the app though software updates. The Centre also warned of action if companies failed to comply. Opposition parties have sharply criticised the move, calling it intrusive and unconstitutional.
The decision may also lead to friction with global technology companies. A Reuters report noted that Apple has opposed similar mandates previously, citing user privacy risks. Apple, Samsung and Xiaomi declined to respond to Reuters’ queries, as did the Ministry of Communications. Two industry executives told Reuters, on condition of anonymity, that manufacturers were not consulted before the order was issued.
