Saathi, Sanchar
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Sanchar Saathi app no longer mandatory on phones as centre government withdraws controversial order
The government has withdrawn its directive mandating all smartphone makers to pre-install the Sanchar Saathi app from March 2026. The reversal comes after widespread criticism over privacy and surveillance concerns.
The Centre’s decision to mandate the undeletable Sanchar Saathi app on all new smartphones has triggered sharp political backlash, with opposition leaders alleging mass surveillance and violation of privacy.
The rollback came after two days of political criticism and pushback from privacy groups, who warned that compulsory installation of the state-run Sanchar Saathi app risked creating a backdoor for monitoring communications,
New Delhi: Congress MP Randeep Singh Surjewala on Wednesday flagged concerns related to Sanchar Saathi mobile application in the Rajya Sabha, saying it completely negates the right of privacy of every individual.
Government reverses mandatory Sanchar Saathi app installation, declaring it voluntary amid privacy concerns and political backlash.
Scindia's statement follows backlash from all political parties over an order, dated 28 November mandating all mobile phone manufacturers to pre-install Sanchar Saathi app in all handsets to be sold in India as well as in existing devices through software update.
Government assures the Sanchar Saathi app is not for surveillance, emphasizing public control over security. Union Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia state
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