The Sanchar Saathi app has been one of the most talked-about issues in the Indian tech and telecom circles. This citizen-centric application was developed by DoT to curb mobile-related fraud, device theft, and other cyber threats. Following the initial directive, the most crucial question that cropped up before consumers and the manufacturers was whether pre-installation was compulsory or not.
Here is the key, updated information about the Sanchar Saathi app mandate and what its situation is at present.
Government Revokes Mandatory Pre-installation
In a surprising turn of events, the Ministry of Communications formally withdrew the requirement making it compulsory for all mobile phone manufacturers and importers to preload the Sanchar Saathi app on every new handset sold in India.
The government had issued the above directive to make cyber protection tools accessible to all citizens, particularly the less digitally aware population. However, after consultations, stakeholder feedback, and a rise in organic downloads, the decision was revised. The Ministry said, in light of increasing public acceptance and uptake of the Sanchar Saathi initiative, compulsory pre-installation by manufacturers is no longer required.
The clear answer is: It is NOT mandatory for mobile manufacturers to pre-install the Sanchar Saathi app as of the latest government notification.
What is the Sanchar Saathi App For?
The Sanchar Saathi app is a powerful tool designed to empower users and strengthen telecom security across India. It consolidates several key services from the Sanchar Saathi portal directly onto the mobile device:
- Chakshu: It allows citizens to report suspected fraud communications received in the form of calls, SMS, or WhatsApp messages. Such proactive reporting assists the DoT in tracking such scams relating to forged Know Your Customer documents, among others including identity theft.
- Block Your Lost or Stolen Mobile Handset: Consumers can report a lost or stolen device using their phone’s unique IMEI and block its usage on all Indian telecom networks. This service has been instrumental in recovering thousands of devices.
- Know Your Mobile Connections: Through this, users can check how many mobile connections come under their name and report unauthorized or suspicious connections.
- Check Handset Genuineness: It enables users to check whether a particular mobile device is genuine and not counterfeit or blacklisted.
The government advertises the app as secure and intended purely to help citizens protect themselves from bad actors in the cyber world.
User Control: Optional Use and Deletion
There were earlier concerns raised by privacy advocates about the aspect of installation mandates and the initial reported status of the app as non-deleteable. The government has since given absolute clarity on user control:
- Voluntary Use: The system is totally voluntary. The application will only be activated when the user decides to enroll and use the services.
- Deletable: Users can delete the Sanchar Saathi app from their device at any time if they do not want to use it.
Even if a new device came with the app pre-installed-a scenario now officially revoked-the ultimate discretion to activate, use, or remove the application would always remain completely at the citizen’s discretion. This is further clarification that this government approach towards cyber safety is democratic and user-centric.
Why the Shift to Optional Installation?
The government’s decision to remove the mandate underlines the rapid success and public trust the initiative of Sanchar Saathi has generated. With millions of downloads and thousands of fraud incidents being reported daily, the Ministry of Communications believes the value of the app is already affirmed through citizen participation, and as such, a compulsory mandate is not needed anymore.
The idea remains the same-to motivate users to install the Sanchar Saathi app voluntarily to avail themselves of various security-related features; however, no user is bound by law to download or retain it on their mobile device.
