The Union government’s decision to require smartphone makers and importers to pre-install the Sanchar Saathi cybersecurity app on every mobile device sold in India within 90 days has led to strong objections from Opposition parties. Critics allege it could enable “snooping”, but the Centre has dismissed these concerns, stressing that users are free to delete the app anytime.
DoT Orders Mandatory Pre-Installation Across All New Devices
As per a directive from the Department of Telecommunications (DoT), every new smartphone made or imported for the Indian market must come with Sanchar Saathi already installed. Companies have been given 90 days to complete this rollout and an additional 30 days to submit a compliance report.
Manufacturers must also issue software updates so the app reaches devices already produced, sold, or still in the supply chain. The order specifies that the app “must be visible at first use” and “its functionalities cannot be disabled”, which officials say may have caused confusion about whether it can be uninstalled.
What Sanchar Saathi App Is Designed To Do
Sanchar Saathi enables users to check their phone’s IMEI number and report misuse, making it an important tool against cloned or spoofed IMEIs widely used in scams and telecom fraud. Officials argue that the app strengthens digital safety by helping prevent misuse of mobile devices.
Opposition Flags Privacy Concerns Over Government Surveillance
Several Opposition leaders, including Congress MP Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, have accused the government of violating citizens’ right to privacy.
She said: “The Sanchar Saathi is a snooping app, and clearly it is ridiculous. Citizens have the right to privacy. Everyone must have the right to privacy to send messages to family and friends without the government looking at everything.”
Government Says App Is Optional and Aims To Protect Digital Safety
Union Communications Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia responded that the app is not mandatory for use and can be deleted like any other application. He said on X that “digital security of every citizen of the country is our topmost priority”, adding that Sanchar Saathi helps citizens safeguard their privacy and stay protected from online fraud.
Government Highlights Benefits of the Sanchar Saathi Platform
Scindia shared usage data showing strong public adoption of the app and its portal. Over 20 crore people have accessed the platform, and more than 1.5 crore users are connected to the application. He said the system has enabled citizens to identify connections not belonging to them, leading to the disconnection of 1.43 crore mobile numbers. He added that 26 lakh phones have been traced, with 7.23 lakh devices successfully returned to their rightful owners.
देश के हर नागरिक की डिजिटल सुरक्षा हमारी सर्वोच्च प्राथमिकता है। ‘संचार साथी’ ऐप का उद्देश्य है कि प्रत्येक व्यक्ति अपनी निजता की रक्षा कर सके और ऑनलाइन ठगी से सुरक्षित रह सके।
यह एक पूरी तरह स्वैच्छिक और लोकतांत्रिक व्यवस्था है-यूज़र चाहें तो ऐप को सक्रिय कर इसके लाभ ले सकते…
— Jyotiraditya M. Scindia (@JM_Scindia) December 2, 2025
Manufacturers Required To Install App and Update Older Devices
Under the DoT directive, smartphone makers must ensure Sanchar Saathi is installed across their entire device lineup within the 90-day deadline. They must also release software updates to add the app to devices that are already manufactured or sold.
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