Mandatory Sanchar Saathi app sparks nationwide debate on privacy and security concerns

New Delhi (India) December 2: The Department of Telecommunications has directed that smartphone manufacturers, including Apple, Oppo, Vivo and Xiaomi pre-install the Sanchar Saathi app upon all new mobile devices launched into the Indian market. The Sanchar Saathi app was released earlier this year; therefore, it must also be pushed out through software updates to phones that were previously manufactured before the app is available.

App aims to combat phone fraud, verify IMEI, and recover stolen devices

Sanchar Saathi is an app that was initiated in 2023 as a website by the Department of Telecommunications (DOT) to give users the option to report a fraudulent phone call. In addition, this app includes previously released applications and services provided by DOT, such as the ability to verify the "genuineness" of an International Mobile Equipment Identity (IMEI) number for a device and prevent a stolen phone from functioning. 

The Government has provided smartphone manufacturers with a 90-day deadline to complete the Sanchar Saathi implementation; additionally, manufacturers must now submit reports within 120-days of the completion date. According to the department, this initiative serves the purpose of preventing misuse of telecommunications resources to commit cyber fraud and improving the security of the telecommunications industry with regard to cyber-related crimes.

Opposition MPs raise constitutional and privacy objections

On Tuesday, Congress Member of Parliament, Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, remarked that the Government's Sanchar Saathi app will serve as a platform for Government intrusion into the mobile phones of citizens and demonstrated plans by the Government to turn India into a repressive State.

“That’s not how it should work. There should be an effective system to report fraud. We’ve discussed this at great length in terms of cyber security. There’s a need for cyber security, but that doesn’t mean it gives you an excuse to go into every citizen’s phone. I don’t think any citizen would be happy," she said.

Congress MP Shashi Tharoor also said, “Common sense tells me that these apps can be useful provided they are voluntary. Everyone who needs them should be able to download them. Making anything compulsory in a democracy is troubling. I need to look more into the logic of the government.”

BJP assures no personal data access or surveillance through the app

Sambit Patra, a Member of the Parliament representing the BJP, clarified that the Sanchar Saathi app is not intended for Government surveillance of users. The app does not have access to anyone’s personal information, including their messages or phone calls. The Sanchar Saathi app’s primary purpose is to provide enhanced security for mobile device users, protect users against fraud and assist users in tracking and recovering stolen or lost mobile devices.

He added, “The Sanchar Saathi app cannot read your messages. It cannot listen to your calls, neither the calls you make nor the calls you receive. Sanchar Saathi cannot listen to your calls. It cannot access your private or personal data. Sanchar Saathi cannot reach or breach your personal data. It cannot read messages, cannot hear calls, and cannot breach personal information.”