Government Mandates Pre-Installation of Sanchar Saathi App; Minister Assures It Can Be Deleted

New Delhi: Amid widespread criticism over the Centre’s directive requiring mobile phone manufacturers to pre-install the government’s Sanchar Saathi anti-fraud app on all new devices sold in India, Union Communications Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia on Monday clarified that users will have full freedom to remove the application if they do not wish to use it.

Addressing reporters, Scindia sought to dispel concerns, stating, “There is no compulsion. If you don’t want to activate it, leave it dormant. If you want to uninstall it, simply delete it.” Drawing a parallel with factory-installed apps, he added, “When you buy a new phone, several apps come pre-loaded, including Google Maps. If you don’t need Google Maps, you delete it.” (Note: On most Android devices, Google Maps cannot be fully uninstalled without root access; it can only be disabled.)

The minister described the initiative as a consumer-protection measure aimed at raising awareness about cyber fraud. “Not every citizen knows that a government tool exists to safeguard them from scams. It is our duty to make people aware,” he said, emphasising that the app will remain inactive unless the user chooses to register and activate it.

The directive has triggered sharp reactions from opposition parties, who have labelled it a serious breach of privacy. Congress general secretary KC Venugopal called the move “beyond unconstitutional”, arguing that it violates the fundamental right to privacy guaranteed under Article 21 of the Constitution. “Big Brother cannot watch us,” he posted on X.

Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi Vadra termed Sanchar Saathi a “snooping app” and accused the government of pushing the country towards dictatorship. Shiv Sena (UBT) Rajya Sabha MP Priyanka Chaturvedi described the decision as “another Big Boss surveillance moment”.

Defending the government, Scindia accused the opposition of manufacturing controversy. “They are desperately hunting for issues. In 2024 alone, cyber fraud amounting to ₹22,800 crore took place in India. When we provide citizens a tool to protect themselves, they compare it to Pegasus. Truth cannot be shown to those who refuse to see it,” the minister retorted.

The Sanchar Saathi portal, launched last year, enables users to report suspicious numbers, check devices linked to their Aadhaar, and block lost or stolen phones through the CEIR (Central Equipment Identity Register) system. The government maintains that the app does not collect or transmit personal data without explicit user consent.

Also Read: Inside the Jinam Valley Encounter: How a Robbery Attempt Ended with an HPC-D Cadre Dead