Sanchar Saathi App Debate: Neutral Overview

Introduction

Central government instructions for the Sanchar Saathi mobile app on new mobile phones have started serious public and political debates. Opposition states that the directive includes a threat to personal privacy. The government assures that the app is only optional for users and will work only when registration is completed.

Government Order and Reactions

  • The Ministry of Telecom had instructed all the mobile phone manufacturers and importers to pre-install the Sanchar Saathi app on new devices.
  • The requirement shall be implemented within 90 days.
  • The decision brought sharp criticism from several political parties.
  • The opposition parties, including Congress and the Aam Aadmi Party, termed it intrusive. They said that this decision was taken unilaterally, without consultations.

Opposition Concerns

Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge said the order restricts democratic freedom. He noted that citizens were under constant digital surveillance with prevailing laws already. He also referred to previous Pegasus surveillance.

Congress leaders Priyanka Gandhi and Renuka Chowdhury asked the government to withdraw the decision.

Key points raised include:

  • Personal privacy should not be compromised.
  • Mandatory installation raises mistrust.
  • Fears of surveillance need to be addressed openly.

Congress MP Shashi Tharoor, on his part, said making any tool mandatory would create problems in a democratic system.

Similarly, AAP leader Arvind Kejriwal contended that the said order threatens personal privacy and must be rescinded. The CPI(M) termed this move an infringement of the right to privacy.

Government Clarification

Explaining, Telecom Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia said users can delete the app anytime. He made it clear:

  • The app works only after voluntary registration.
  • No call monitoring or message scanning takes place.
  • The aim is to assist citizens and minimize cyber fraud.
  • Scindia said that the app helped verify IMEI numbers and tracked stolen devices. He said :
  • Sanchar Saathi is downloaded by 1.5 crore users.
  • 2.75 crore fraudulent mobile connections were removed.
  • The location of 20 lakh stolen phones was identified, and 7.5 lakh were returned to the owners.

Purpose of the App

According to State Minister for Telecom Pemmasani Chandrasekhar, the app is meant to prevent cybercrime alone.

He noted:

  • No collection of personal information is needed.
  • It means the app protects elderly and vulnerable users.

This would include features on fraud detection based on complaints submitted by users. The app notifies users against suspicious UPI numbers that have been reported fraudulent. Ruling Party Response BJP MP Sambit Patra said that the motive of the app is public safety, while the allegations of surveillance are nothing but misinformation spread by the opposition.