The Centre on Tuesday addressed concerns raised by opposition leaders over its directive asking mobile manufacturers and importers to pre-install the Sanchar Saathi cybersecurity app on all handsets sold in India within 90 days. 
The government clarified that while the app must be pre-loaded, its activation is not mandatory and users are free to delete it.
According to the Department of Telecommunications (DoT), all mobile phone makers and importers must ensure that the Sanchar Saathi app is present on every device sold in the country. 
The order also requires manufacturers to push software updates containing the app for devices already in the market and submit a compliance report within 30 days after the 90-day implementation period.
Sanchar Saathi enables users to verify their device&rsquo;s International Mobile Equipment Identity (IMEI) number and report misuse. 
Officials said the app is designed to counter &ldquo;serious endangerment&rdquo; to telecom cybersecurity caused by duplicate or spoofed IMEI numbers commonly used in scams and other fraudulent activities.
Opposition leaders, including Congress MP Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, criticised the move, alleging the app infringes on citizens&rsquo; privacy. 
&ldquo;The Sanchar Saathi is a snooping app, and clearly it is ridiculous. Citizens have the right to privacy. Everyone must have the right to privacy to send messages to family and friends without the government looking at everything,&rdquo; she said.
Responding to the criticism, Union Minister for Communications Jyotiraditya Scindia reiterated that the app is not compulsory for users. 
He stated that the activation of Sanchar Saathi is &ldquo;fully up to the consumers to use it or delete it like any other app,&rdquo; adding that &ldquo;digital security of every citizen of the country is our topmost priority.&rdquo; 
He said the app aims to help individuals protect their privacy and stay safe from online fraud.
Highlighting the platform&rsquo;s impact, Scindia noted that over 20 crore people have used the Sanchar Saathi portal, with more than 1.5 crore users connected to the application. 
He added that responses through the "Not My Number" feature have led to the disconnection of over 1.43 crore mobile connections.&nbsp;
Additionally, 26 lakh mobile phones have been traced, and 7.23 lakh devices returned to their owners.
Officials said confusion over directive clauses requiring the app to be &ldquo;visible at first use&rdquo; and preventing its functionalities from being disabled may have contributed to concerns that it cannot be uninstalled.

Government clarifies Sanchar Saathi app privacy concerns

Centre rejects snooping claims, says users may delete Sanchar Saathi anytime

Centre Clarifies Stand On Sanchar Saathi App

Centre rejects snooping claims, says users may delete Sanchar Saathi anytime

December 2, 2025 | 22:43 IST