Sanchar Saathi App No Longer Mandatory on New Smartphones, Confirms Government: Here’s What Changed
The government has retracted its requirement of making the Sanchar Saathi app pre-installed for smartphone manufacturers. The government through the app has finally confirmed that it is optional to install the application after the privacy concerns backlash. The complete official statement and what the Sanchar Saathi app does are posted here.
image for illustrative purpose
A reversal of sorts has been marked by the central government as it rescinds its pending order which demanded the installation of Sanchar Saathi app on all new devices by smartphone manufacturers. Determined critics from various groups including privacy advocates, digital rights groups, and opposition leaders had pushed for the abandonment of the order throughout the week.
On Wednesday, the Ministry of Communications distributed new information that the pre-installation of the app is now optional thus nullifying the decree that had characterized a whole country-wide argument.
Why the Government Introduced the Mandate
Initially, the government made Sanchar Saathi mandatory to reinforce and protect users' digital security amidst the growing number of digital fraud cases. The official data states that the app has been downloaded by 1.4 crores users and the app is responsible for the reporting of 2,000 fraud incidents daily.
The ministry pointed out that the app's one and only reason for being is to protect the user from cybercrimes and it has no additional hidden features. Users have the option to remove it whenever they please.
What the Government’s Statement Says
The gist of the official statement released on December 3 goes as follows:
The Sanchar Saathi app gives the power back to the individuals over their cyber security and reporting the scams.
It features prominently in the “Jan Bhagidari” concept and by doing so allows the sharing of collective actions against the perpetrators.
There are no other features apart from protecting the user and the app is uninstallable at any moment.
A considerable increase in downloads — 600,000 newly registered users within a single day (a increase by 10 times) — indicates the public's strong trust in the app.
However, even with this increasing acceptance, the government has now opted not to impose pre-installation on smartphone manufacturers.
Why Was There a Backlash?
The problem started when the DoT asked mobile manufacturers and importers to get Sanchar Saathi installed on all new devices within 90 days. Critics said that making the app compulsory could lead to surveillance or misuse despite government assurances to the opposite.
Opposition MPs have raised concerns about the issue and urged the government to reconsider the situation. Today's clarification is a relief for privacy-conscious users.
What Does the Sanchar Saathi App Do?
The Department of Telecommunications (DoT) has however launched the Sanchar Saathi app for consumers dealing with rising digital threats. Here are its main features:
-Report mobile-related fraud and cybercrime
-Disable lost or stolen handsets from all mobile networks in India
-Assist the police tracing a stolen handset throughout the nation
The application has become an essential device for consumers battling with increasing digital threats.
