Union Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia on Tuesday clarified that users will have complete freedom to retain or delete the Sanchar Saathi app, even though the government has directed mobile manufacturers to pre-install it on all new devices.
Scindia’s clarification comes amid strong Opposition criticism of the Department of Telecommunications’ (DoT) latest directive, effective November 28, which instructs mobile handset makers and importers to pre-load the government’s fraud-reporting and cybersecurity app on all devices sold in India. Companies have 90 days to comply and 120 days to submit their reports.
“When the Opposition has no real issues, they try to create one. Our responsibility is to ensure consumer safety,” Scindia told reporters, dismissing claims that the app facilitates surveillance. “This app does not enable snooping or call monitoring. Users can activate or deactivate it as they choose.”
Under the directive, the DoT has asked manufacturers to pre-install Sanchar Saathi on new phones and push it through software updates on existing devices.
The ministry says the move is intended to enhance consumer protection, curb telecom fraud, and strengthen the Sanchar Saathi ecosystem. Powered by IMEI-based verification, the platform allows users to:
-
Check if a mobile device is genuine or counterfeit
-
Report telecom fraud and suspicious activity
-
Track or block lost and stolen phones
-
View all mobile numbers registered against their ID
-
Help financial institutions verify trusted devices
The government maintains the app is a security tool designed to empower users — not monitor them.
