New Delhi: The Central government on Tuesday clarified that the mandate around the Sanchar Saathi mobile application is “completely democratic and fully voluntary,” responding to Opposition claims that the initiative is unconstitutional.
Union Minister for Communications and Minister for Development of the Northeastern Region, Jyotiraditya Scindia, stated that users are free to install the app at their convenience to access its features and may deactivate or delete it at any time.
Scindia reiterated that consumer protection remains the government’s top priority and that Sanchar Saathi has been developed to empower mobile subscribers against fraud and unauthorized usage.
“Sanchar Saathi is both an app and a portal that enables citizens to secure themselves through transparent, easy-to-use tools. It represents Jan Bhagidari, where citizens actively participate in safeguarding their digital ecosystem,” he said.
The clarification came after Opposition leaders strongly criticized the directive.
Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi said he would participate in the debate in the Lok Sabha on the matter, while Congress MP Priyanka Gandhi Vadra labelled the platform a “snooping app.”
Speaking to reporters, she said: “Citizens have the right to privacy. People must be able to communicate with family and friends without government surveillance.”
Congress MP KC Venugopal also condemned the move, calling it unconstitutional.
“Big Brother cannot watch us. This DoT direction is beyond unconstitutional,” he said in a post on X.
The Department of Telecommunications (DoT) had earlier issued directions, requiring all mobile manufacturers and importers to pre-install the Sanchar Saathi app on handsets meant for sale and use in India. The move, according to an official statement, aims to help users verify whether a mobile device is genuine, prevent the sale of counterfeit phones, and strengthen the Sanchar Saathi cybersecurity framework.Under the mandate, manufacturers and importers must:
- Pre-install the Sanchar Saathi app on every new mobile handset manufactured or imported for use in India.
- Ensure the app is visible, accessible, and functional during the initial device setup, without restrictions or the ability to disable its core features.
- For devices already manufactured or present in sales channels, companies must make efforts to provide the app through software updates.
The directive issued on 28th November requires companies to complete implementation within 90 days, and submit compliance reports within 120 days.
Sanchar Saathi is an initiative by the DoT to curb telecom misuse, enhance cyber security, and safeguard mobile users from fraud. The DoT has identified that some App-Based Communication Services using Indian mobile numbers for user identification or service access are allowing customers to use their platforms without requiring the associated Subscriber Identity Module (SIM) in the device. This capability has reportedly been misused for cyber fraud, including activities carried out from outside India.
Several government bodies, agencies, and an inter-ministerial group have raised concerns over SIM binding in messaging applications and its misuse. Following multiple discussions with major service providers on the feasibility and need for enforcement, the DoT has taken regulatory action.
Given the seriousness of the issue, the DoT issued Directions to major App-Based Communication Services under the Telecom Cyber Security Rules, 2024 (as amended). These Directions aim to prevent the misuse of telecom identifiers and protect the security and integrity of the telecom ecosystem. The services covered under this directive include WhatsApp, Telegram, Snapchat, Arattai, Sharechat, Josh, JioChat, and Signal.
