The Government of India has asked smartphone companies to pre-install the Sanchar Saathi app on new phones and make it available on existing devices through software updates. This move has created a big debate around user privacy, cyber security and government control.

In Parliament and in the media, Communications Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia has defended the decision and said there is “no snooping possible” through the app. :contentReference[oaicite:0]{index=0}

Table of Contents

1. What is the Sanchar Saathi app?
2. Why did the government order pre-installation?
3. What has the minister said in defence?
4. What are the privacy and surveillance concerns?
5. Can users uninstall or ignore the app?
6. Impact on smartphone users and the mobile industry
7. What should users do now?
8. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is the Sanchar Saathi app?

Sanchar Saathi is a government-backed telecom and cyber-safety platform launched by the Department of Telecommunications (DoT). It is designed to help mobile users:

• Find and block lost or stolen phones using IMEI-based tools.
• Check how many mobile connections are issued in their name.
• Report fraudulent or unknown SIM connections.
• Raise complaints related to suspicious telecom activity and cyber frauds. :contentReference[oaicite:1]{index=1}

According to the government, the main goal is to reduce mobile theft, SIM fraud and online scams, which are rising across India. :contentReference[oaicite:2]{index=2}

Why did the government order pre-installation?

On 28 November 2025, the telecom ministry issued an order asking smartphone manufacturers to:

• Pre-install the Sanchar Saathi app on all new smartphones sold in India.
• Push the app to existing phones through software updates.
• Make sure the app is visible during first-time setup and its core features are not disabled. :contentReference[oaicite:3]{index=3}

Officials say this is based on the new Telecom Cybersecurity Rules 2024 under the Telecommunications Act 2023, and that it has strong legal backing. :contentReference[oaicite:4]{index=4}

The government’s logic is simple: if the app comes built-in, more citizens will actually use it to report fraud and protect their phones.

What has the minister said in defence?

Facing criticism from opposition parties, civil society groups and some technology experts, the government has tried to calm fears.

Communications Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia has said in Parliament and to the media that:

• The app is not a spy tool and there is “no snooping possible”.
• Sanchar Saathi is meant only to protect users from cyber fraud and help track lost devices.
• The app can be uninstalled by users if they do not want it. :contentReference[oaicite:5]{index=5}

The minister has also stressed that the app works mainly when the user chooses to use it and gives permissions at the time of reporting a complaint.

What are the privacy and surveillance concerns?

Even though the official purpose of Sanchar Saathi is security and fraud prevention, many people have raised serious privacy questions.

• Mandatory pre-installation can weaken the idea of user consent. Some experts say that when an app is automatically pushed to every phone, people no longer get a real choice. :contentReference[oaicite:6]{index=6}
• Digital rights groups worry that such an app could, in the future, be expanded into a surveillance tool, especially if laws or policies change. :contentReference[oaicite:7]{index=7}
• Global companies like Apple have reportedly expressed concern that pre-loading a state app on all devices violates their privacy and security standards. :contentReference[oaicite:8]{index=8}
• Some privacy advocates have compared the move to similar laws in other countries where government apps are compulsory on phones. :contentReference[oaicite:9]{index=9}

In simple words: the fear is not only about what the app does today, but what it could be used for tomorrow.

Can users uninstall or ignore the app?

The government has now softened its stand and clarified that users are free to delete Sanchar Saathi from their phones if they don’t want it. :contentReference[oaicite:10]{index=10}

However, the order to manufacturers still talks about:

• Pre-installation on new phones.
• Pushing the app via updates to existing devices.
• Keeping the app visible and functional during setup. :contentReference[oaicite:11]{index=11}

Because of this, legal experts and activists say there is still some confusion between what the minister is saying publicly and what the official order requires. :contentReference[oaicite:12]{index=12}

Impact on smartphone users and the mobile industry

For Indian smartphone users

• You may see Sanchar Saathi already installed on new phones, or arriving with a future software update.
• The app could be useful if your phone is stolen or if someone has taken SIM cards in your name without your knowledge.
• At the same time, you should understand what data and permissions the app asks for, and decide if you are comfortable with it.

For smartphone brands and the tech ecosystem

• Manufacturers now have to adjust their software stacks to include the app, test it and support it.
• Some global brands may push back or seek clarifications because of their own privacy policies and international compliance requirements. :contentReference[oaicite:13]{index=13}
• Depending on how this is implemented, the case could become a test example for future digital policy in India, especially around state-backed apps.

What should users do now?

Here are some simple steps for regular users:

1. Check if Sanchar Saathi is on your phone.
   Go to your app list and see if the app is installed. If it is, read the description and settings.
2. Read the permissions carefully.
   Before using the app, check what access it is asking for (for example, phone state, SMS, etc.).
3. Use it if you need its features.
   If your phone is lost or if you suspect SIM fraud, the app may genuinely help you take quick action.
4. Uninstall if you are not comfortable.
   If you do not want the app, try to uninstall it. If removal is not allowed on your device, you can at least limit permissions where possible.
5. Stay updated on policy changes.
   This is a fast-moving issue. Keep an eye on reliable news sources and official announcements for any change in rules.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Is the Sanchar Saathi app mandatory for users?

The government says that while phone makers must pre-install the app, users are free to uninstall it if they do not wish to use it. In practice, this may depend on your device brand and software version. :contentReference[oaicite:14]{index=14}

2. Can the app be used for spying or surveillance?

The minister has clearly stated that no snooping is possible through Sanchar Saathi, and that it is designed only for fraud prevention and device tracking. However, privacy advocates worry about how such an app could be misused if future policies change. :contentReference[oaicite:15]{index=15}

3. What benefits does Sanchar Saathi offer?

The main benefits are the ability to block stolen phones, check SIM connections in your name, and report frauds quickly. This can save time and reduce losses in case of cybercrime. :contentReference[oaicite:16]{index=16}

4. Why are some tech companies unhappy?

Some global smartphone makers are uncomfortable with any rule that forces them to pre-install a government app on devices. They say it goes against their privacy and security rules and could set a risky precedent. :contentReference[oaicite:17]{index=17}

5. Will this rule stay or change?

After public outcry, the government has indicated it is willing to review or modify the order based on feedback. Users should follow the news to see if the directive is changed, relaxed or withdrawn in the coming weeks. :contentReference[oaicite:18]{index=18}