New Delhi: In a swift reversal, India’s Department of Telecommunications (DoT) has withdrawn its mandate requiring smartphone manufacturers to pre-install the government-run Sanchar Saathi app, just days after issuing the directive amid widespread backlash over privacy and surveillance concerns.
The original order, dated November 28 under the Telecom Cyber Security Rules 2024, compelled companies like Apple and Samsung to preload the app on new devices by March 2026, make it non-deletable, and push it via updates to existing phones. Opposition leaders and privacy advocates decried it as a potential tool for government snooping, sparking social media outrage and resistance from global handset makers.
Launched in January 2025, Sanchar Saathi aims to combat telecom fraud by disconnecting fake connections, tracing stolen devices, and aiding recoveries. It has already facilitated 1.5 crore fraudulent disconnections, traced 26 lakh stolen phones, and recovered 7 lakh. Downloads surged 10-fold post-directive, with 6 lakh registrations in a day, prompting DoT to deem the mandate unnecessary due to “increasing acceptance.”
Telecom Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia assured Parliament no snooping would occur, emphasizing empowerment for public safety. The Indian Cellular and Electronics Association (ICEA) welcomed the move, advocating for voluntary measures and consultations. Experts like Mishi Choudhary from SFLC.in called it a positive step but urged evidence-based anti-fraud strategies beyond apps.
The government will issue a circular confirming the voluntary approach, shifting focus to organic adoption amid rising cyber threats.