Union Communications Minister, Jyotiraditya Scindia on Wednesday rejected allegations that the Sanchar Saathi mobile application functions as a “snooping app”, insisting that such surveillance “is not possible”.
During the Lok Sabha question hour, Scindia said the government’s objective was to “empower the people to help them protect themselves”, adding that “snooping is neither possible nor will happen with the Sanchar Saathi app.”
The remarks came amid public concern following a Department of Telecommunications (DoT) order dated 28 November, which directed all mobile phone manufacturers to pre-install the Sanchar Saathi app in every handset sold in India. The order also required that existing devices receive the application through a software update. Manufacturers were told to ensure the app remained visible and accessible during initial device setup, and that its features could not be disabled or restricted.
Speaking outside Parliament, Minister of State for Communications Dr Pemmasani Chandra Sekhar defended the application, describing it as the “only way” to curb cyber fraud. “I ask anyone who says it is a snooping app to please download the app. Take a look at it by yourself… There are only a few ways to prevent cyber fraud. This is, in my view, probably the only way,” he said.
He added that the government would re-examine the pre-installation mandate, noting that “whether it can mandatorily be pre-installed or not is a different story.” Dr Sekhar emphasised that the app was designed to collect information from digitally aware users in order to support vulnerable groups, including the elderly, and highlighted its availability in multiple regional languages. He said the platform had received “almost 20 crore website hits” and that “1.4 crore people have already downloaded this app.” He further noted that both Apple and Google had vetted the app before listing it on their respective app stores, adding: “If people don’t want to use it, they can delete it… The idea of the app is good. I request everybody to download it.”
On Tuesday, Scindia had clarified that users were free to remove the app from their phones, despite reports suggesting otherwise. His clarification followed criticism from digital rights groups and political leaders who expressed concerns over potential surveillance risks.
“This is a completely voluntary and democratic system, users may choose to activate the app and avail its benefits, or if they do not wish to, they can easily delete it from their phone at any time,” he said on X, reiterating the point in comments to reporters. He stressed that the app aims to protect user privacy and shield citizens from online fraud rather than compromise their data.
Launched in May 2023, the Sanchar Saathi portal allows citizens to check mobile connections linked to their identity documents, report fraudulent numbers, and trace lost or stolen phones. The mobile app was introduced earlier this year as part of broader efforts to tackle cybercrime.
