New Delhi | December 3, 2025: India’s cyber-security application Sanchar Saathi, introduced to curb digital fraud and telecom-related offences, has witnessed a dramatic rise in public adoption ironically at a time when a political controversy has erupted over its pre-installation mandate.
According to Department of Telecommunications (DoT) sources, the app’s daily downloads surged from an average of around 60,000 to nearly 600,000 on Tuesday — a tenfold jump within 24 hours.
“Public response has suddenly been remarkably strong. Downloads jumped ten times in a single day,” a senior DoT official told news agency PTI, calling it a sign of growing awareness around mobile fraud protection.
Mandatory pre-install order triggers political backlash
The DoT recently issued a directive requiring all smartphone manufacturers to pre-install Sanchar Saathi on new devices sold in India. The order also pushes for rolling out the app to existing devices through software updates. Additionally, makers must ensure:
- The app is visible and accessible during first-time setup
- Its functions cannot be disabled by default
Opposition parties sharply criticised the directive, calling it a potential “surveillance tool” and a threat to citizens’ privacy. Social media also witnessed a wave of public concern over forced app installation.
“Users can uninstall the app anytime” — Scindia
As the political uproar intensified, Union Telecom Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia clarified that the app is not compulsory for citizens.
“The app may come pre-installed, but users are completely free to delete it. It is optional,” the minister said.
DoT officials reiterated that the mandate applies to manufacturers, not end-users:
- Keeping or uninstalling the app is entirely a user choice
- There is no legal requirement to register or use the application
What does Sanchar Saathi actually do?
The app is intended to protect telecom consumers against:
- SIM fraud
- Mobile theft and cloning
- Phishing calls and fraudulent SMS
Using IMEI verification, citizens can block a stolen device or report spam communication — enhancing traceability for law enforcement.
DoT sources emphasised that the app asks only for limited permissions:
| Feature | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Make & Manage Calls | Detect active SIM before registration |
| Send SMS (One-Time) | Verify identity, such as sending or receiving OTPs |
| Camera Access | Capture screenshots of fraudulent calls/SMS for evidence |
Officials stressed that the app does not access: Contact, Microphone, Location, Bluetooth, Other apps, Personal files or sensitive private data
“It merely triggers a one-time SMS similar to OTP verification and cannot use it for anything else,” a DoT source stated.
Privacy vs. safety — ongoing debate
Digital rights advocates argue that default presence of such apps on smartphones undermines user consent and data autonomy. Legal experts say concerns may ease if:
- Permissions remain transparent and restricted
- Data Protection Act enforcement is robust
- Installation continues to be optional for users
However, they warn that any hint of silent data access could keep the controversy alive.
Curiosity drives downloads despite criticism
Tech analysts believe the backlash itself sparked public interest:
- Many downloaded it to check what the app does
- Several users appreciated easier reporting of spam calls and lost phone complaints
- Others uninstalled after “trying it out,” reflecting the mixed sentiment
