Centre Withdraws Mandatory Sanchar Saathi Rule After Public Outcry; Says App Installation Now Voluntary

Delhi: The Union government on Wednesday rolled back its decision to mandate pre-installation of the Sanchar Saathi application on all newly manufactured smartphones, following intense criticism from opposition parties, digital-rights groups, and privacy advocates.

In a late evening press statement, the Ministry of Communications confirmed that the requirement has been withdrawn, citing the app’s growing acceptance among users across the country.

According to the ministry, the original mandate aimed at expanding access to cybersecurity tools for ordinary citizens. The Sanchar Saathi app enables users to verify mobile connections, block lost or stolen phones, and report fraudulent calls and messages.

Government Clarifies: “App Is Only for User Protection”

“The Sanchar Saathi app is a safe platform designed purely to safeguard mobile users from cyber fraud and malicious actors. It has no hidden functions, and users are free to uninstall it at any time,” the government clarified.

Officials said the rollout plan was intended to help less tech-savvy citizens adopt cybersecurity tools more easily, but the administration has now decided that voluntary use is sufficient.

1.4 Crore Downloads and Rising

The ministry revealed that:

• 1.4 crore users have downloaded the app so far
• The platform helps process around 2,000 fraud-related reports daily
• 6 lakh new users registered in the last 24 hours alone

Authorities said the rapid increase in voluntary adoption shows that mandatory installation is no longer necessary.

Controversy Sparked Privacy Concerns

The reversal comes just hours after Union Telecom Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia assured Parliament that “snooping is neither possible nor will it ever be,” addressing fears that the app could be misused for surveillance.

Earlier this week, a government directive requiring smartphone manufacturers to ship new devices with Sanchar Saathi pre-installed sparked opposition accusations of potential data monitoring and erosion of digital privacy.

The government stressed that the app does not collect sensitive personal data beyond what is needed to identify fraudulent activity.

Opposition Claims Victory, Debate Continues

While the rollback has been welcomed, opposition leaders maintain that the initial directive reflected the government’s “intrusive instincts,” urging the Centre to strengthen privacy safeguards before promoting digital tools.