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Why in News? The Department of Telecommunications (DoT) directed smartphone companies to pre-install the Sanchar Saathi app on all new devices from March 2026. The order triggered strong criticism from digital-rights groups, privacy experts and the Opposition, who allege possible surveillance risks and legal overreach. What is the Sanchar Saathi App? Launched in 2023, Sanchar Saathi is a government-backed telecom safety app with features such as: * Reporting suspicious or fraudulent calls * Viewing all SIMs/phone numbers linked to your identity * Blocking a stolen phone by entering its IMEI * IMEI-based blocking that disables a device across all networks The government argues that fake/duplicate IMEI numbers pose serious cybersecurity threats, and pre-installation would help users report such devices quickly. Has the Government Mandated Apps Before? Mandating apps is rare in India. * COVID-era emergency apps were encouraged but not enforced * Aarogya Setu “mandatory” claims were later withdrawn * TRAI’s DND spam-reporting app was pushed but not pre-installed Thus, pre-installation through an official order is unusual. Legal Basis for the Order The DoT relied on the Telecommunications Act, 2023 and the Telecom Cyber Security Rules, 2024. A key amendment created the term TIUE (Telecommunication Identifier User Entity), which includes: * Smartphones * Apps * Even messaging platforms like WhatsApp Experts warn that treating apps and devices as “telecom entities” gives DoT broader regulatory control. Constitutional Concerns Several experts believe the move may face challenges under the Puttaswamy (2017) Right to Privacy judgment. Meghna Bal (Esya Center) argues: * Aadhaar survived scrutiny partly because it was initially voluntary * But making Sanchar Saathi compulsory for all devices could be seen as excessive and disproportionate Can Users Uninstall It? The government claims users may delete the app or keep it unregistered. However, the actual order stated: * The app must be visible on first use * Its core features cannot be disabled * It must always remain accessible This indicates it may behave like a system app, which is usually non-removable. Why Experts Call It Risky Pre-installed apps often receive: * Higher permissions * Deeper access to the operating system Cybersecurity specialists caution that such apps could later receive updates granting more intrusive permissions. If compromised, a system-level app could expose millions of users’ data—raising both privacy and cybersecurity concerns. Why Activists & Opposition Objected Major fears included: * Potential expansion of surveillance * Greater government control over smartphones * Lack of clarity on data collection, storage, and oversight * Risk of misuse due to elevated permissions A system-level app with broad access is seen as a threat to digital rights. Latest Update Due to public backlash, the government withdrew the mandatory pre-installation order. Installation is now voluntary. Users can download or remove the app at will. The official clarification states that the app is meant only for consumer protection, not surveillance. 👉 Join Our WhatsApp Channel- https://www.whatsapp.com/channel/0029VaaGAqPCxoAugdgpyH41 For any Query- Call Now: 📞 8988885050 or 8988886060 Email: 📩 info@vajiraoinstitute.com 🌐 Visit: www.vajiraoinstitute.com Registration is Now Open for both online and offline batches in 2025. Hurry up, limited seats. 📌 Follow us on Social Media: Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/vajiraoinstitute/ Twitter - https://x.com/vajiraoandreddy LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/school/vajirao-and-reddy-institute-delhi Pinterest - https://in.pinterest.com/vajiraoandreddyinstitute #SancharSaathi #DigitalPrivacy #CurrentAffairs #UPSC2025 #TechPolicy #CyberSecurity #RightToPrivacy #IndiaDigital #DoT #TelecomAct #UPSCPreparation #DailyCurrentAffairs #VajiraoAndReddy #UPSCNotes #PrivacyMatters