Sanchar Saathi Mandate Has No Privacy Risks, Says Govt; Daily Downloads Jump 10x After Pre-Install Order

The Centre has strongly defended its order directing smartphone makers to pre-install the Sanchar Saathi app, responding to concerns over privacy, data access, and potential surveillance. Senior government officials told Moneycontrol that the mandate carries no privacy risks, is backed by strong legal provisions, and is designed purely to enhance fraud prevention.

The clarification comes even as daily downloads of Sanchar Saathi surged tenfold, rising from around 60,000 per day to nearly 6 lakh, with 1.5 crore users having already downloaded the app even before the directive was issued.

Officials said the surge reflects growing user acceptance of the platform, which is part of the government’s ongoing push to curb mobile-related fraud.

Directive Requires Pre-Installation & Visibility—But Users Can Delete the App

The government’s November 28 order requires smartphone manufacturers to:

• Pre-install the Sanchar Saathi app on all new devices sold in India

• Add the app to existing devices via software updates

• Ensure the app is visible during first use or device setup

• Ensure the app’s functionalities are not disabled or restricted

Union Telecom Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia reiterated that users remain free to delete or uninstall the app anytime they wish. Officials emphasized that the requirements apply only to manufacturers, not to individual users.

One official explained that clause 7(b) of the directive merely ensures the app is visible and fully functional when the user first sets up their device. It prevents manufacturers from hiding, crippling, or pre-installing a non-functional version of the app.

“Nowhere has it been mentioned that the Sanchar Saathi app cannot be uninstalled by the end user. It is up to the citizen whether they want to keep or delete it,” the official said.

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Legally Sound Under Telecom Cybersecurity Rules 2024

According to senior officials, the mandate has strong legal backing under the Telecom Cybersecurity Rules 2024, framed under the Telecommunications Act 2023. They said the directions issued on November 28 are both legally and constitutionally sound.

This legal framework is the government’s basis for requiring manufacturers to support fraud-prevention mechanisms and ensure compliance through pre-installation.

‘No Privacy or Surveillance Risks’: Govt Clarifies Data Access

Government sources stressed repeatedly that Sanchar Saathi has only limited access to user data, and even that is allowed only after explicit consent from the user each time they interact with the app, particularly during fraud-reporting.

The app requests access to specific functions solely for verification and fraud reporting:

1. “Make & Manage Phone Calls” Permission

This is used only to:

• Verify the active SIM before registration.

• Confirm user identity.

2. SMS Permission

The app sends one verification SMS, similar to OTP authentication used by:

• Banking apps

• UPI applications

• Communication platforms

Officials clarified that this SMS permission is not used for any other purpose.

3. Camera Access

The app may request camera access when users:

• Capture IMEI numbers from device packaging

• Upload screenshots related to suspected fraud

No Access to Sensitive Data

Officials highlighted that the app does not access:

• Contacts

• Other apps

• Location

• Microphone

• Bluetooth

• Any private functionality not explicitly permitted

Users can also:

• Revoke permissions anytime

• Deregister their number

• Uninstall the app completely

A DoT source reiterated:

“The Sanchar Saathi app has limited access to phone data, and that too only to the extent citizens permit it in each interaction of reporting fraud.”

Why the Mandate Exists: Fraud Prevention?

Government officials stated that the Sanchar Saathi system offers clear fraud-prevention benefits, especially for reporting fraudulent mobile connections, unknown SIM usage, or suspicious device activity. They maintain that the application’s design is user-first and does not compromise personal privacy.

Industry Reactions: Indian Firms Support, Global Players Evaluate

The mandate has led to a split within the handset industry.

Indian Manufacturers

Companies like Lava have welcomed the order and are already working on implementation. Indian brands generally view the directive as workable within their existing Android framework.

Apple & Major Chinese Brands

Apple and large Chinese manufacturers are still evaluating the directive. According to reports:

• iOS does not support the pre-installation of third-party apps, making compliance more challenging.

• Apple has historically resisted such mandates globally, citing privacy concerns.

• Sources said Apple may propose an alternative, encouraging users to download Sanchar Saathi through the App Store instead of preloading it.

This potential pushback from major global brands is expected, especially given the technical and policy differences in their operating systems.

Sanchar Saathi at the Centre of India’s Cybersecurity Push

The government maintains that Sanchar Saathi is essential to strengthening India’s cyber and telecom security ecosystem. By ensuring the app is available on every device at setup, authorities believe more citizens will be equipped to report fraud and secure their mobile identities.

With downloads rising 10x in a matter of days and the app now under national spotlight, Sanchar Saathi has become a major part of India’s digital safety framework—one that the government says is user-controlled, permission-based, and free from surveillance risks.

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