New Delhi | December 2, 2025: Union Minister for Communications Jyotiraditya M. Scindia on Tuesday defended the government’s proposal requiring smartphone manufacturers to pre-install the Sanchar Saathi app on all devices sold in India from March 2026. Addressing reporters outside Parliament, he stressed that the app remains completely optional for users and can be ignored or deleted at any time.
“There is no snooping or call monitoring,” Mr. Scindia asserted, responding to privacy concerns raised by civil society groups and Opposition parties. “If you don’t want the app, don’t activate it. If you want to delete it, delete it. It is purely a consumer-protection measure.”
The Minister said the objective was to empower users to track stolen devices and curb cyber fraud. “As frauds increase, it becomes the government’s responsibility to provide robust protection tools to citizens,” he added.
Draws comparison with Google’s pre-installed apps
Referring to commonly bundled applications on Android devices, Mr. Scindia said Sanchar Saathi would behave similarly.
“Mobile phones already come with pre-installed apps like Google Maps. You can remove them or disable them if you wish,” he said. “This app will also stay dormant if you choose not to register. Nothing happens in the background.”
He took a sharp swipe at critics who alleged the app could become a spyware tool akin to Pegasus. “On one hand, the Opposition complains about rising frauds. On the other, when the government offers an accessible solution, they start shouting Pegasus. Those who refuse to see the truth cannot be shown the truth,” he remarked.
DoT directive triggers pushback from tech industry
The Department of Telecommunications (DoT) recently issued instructions mandating the pre-installation of Sanchar Saathi on upcoming smartphones, as part of wider telecom reforms aimed at combating identity-linked fraud.
However, device makers and technology associations have questioned the directive. Their concerns include:
- Pre-installed apps often cannot be fully uninstalled
- Bundled apps sometimes have privileged permissions baked into the system
- Data-access boundaries must be clearly defined for user safety
Privacy advocates further warn that such applications could expand state access over personal communication devices unless strict, transparent safeguards are implemented.
Government officials, meanwhile, have insisted that detailed compliance and permission-framework guidelines will be issued following consultations with the industry.
A tool designed to reduce cybercrime losses
The Sanchar Saathi platform was launched in 2023 with the objective of tracking lost or stolen devices through the Central Equipment Identity Register (CEIR). Users can request the blocking of handset IMEIs to prevent misuse and unauthorized resale.
Mr. Scindia cited alarming trends in financial crimes to justify adoption of the app. “In 2024 alone, India recorded fraud amounting to ₹22,800 crore,” he said. “Reducing such incidents is a critical priority for the government.”
Voluntary usage remains key, says Centre
In its current form, the government maintains:
- The app will come pre-loaded on new phones
- There is no obligation to register or activate it
- If unused, the app will remain inert without accessing personal data
Officials also emphasize that its presence on phones does not grant surveillance powers.
As the DoT prepares stakeholder consultations, both government agencies and industry groups are expected to work toward ensuring that user autonomy and privacy protections remain central to the initiative.
