The government on Wednesday withdrew its directive requiring smartphone makers to pre-install the Sanchar Saathi cybersecurity app on all devices sold in India. The rollback comes amid growing public criticism and privacy concerns raised over the mandatory installation.
According to the official statement, the order was rescinded as downloads of the app had already surged organically — over six lakh installations within 24 hours and 1.4 crore users overall. Officials said the mandate was originally aimed at accelerating adoption but was no longer necessary.
The Centre also reiterated that the app is fully deletable, affirming what Union Communications Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia had stated earlier in Parliament. “The app is secure and intended solely to protect citizens from cyber threats. It performs no other function, and users may remove it at any time,” the statement read.
The decision follows two days of intense protests and political criticism, with several opposition leaders alleging that forced installation could pave the way for surveillance — drawing parallels to the Pegasus controversy.
Defending the app in the Lok Sabha earlier today, Scindia said, “Snooping is neither possible nor will it happen with the Sanchar Saathi app. Like any other application, it can be deleted, and every citizen has that right in a democracy.” He added that while the app’s success depends on public participation, the government is open to revising its approach based on feedback.
Opposition parties, however, remained sharply critical. Congress leaders Priyanka Gandhi Vadra and Karti Chidambaram called the mandate “ridiculous”, with Chidambaram likening it to surveillance tactics seen in Russia and North Korea. Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Priyanka Chaturvedi described it as “another Big Boss surveillance moment”.
What Is Sanchar Saathi?
Developed by the Department of Telecommunications, Sanchar Saathi is a cybersecurity and awareness platform available both as a mobile app (Android and iOS) and a web portal. It allows users to manage digital identities, report suspicious activity, secure their devices, and access educational material on telecom safety and cyber risks.