App Sparks Privacy Alarm in Lok Sabha
Members of Parliament raised serious concerns over Sanchar Saathi — arguing pre-installing it on all smartphones could give the government sweeping surveillance powers. They warned that mandatory inclusion might let authorities track calls, messages or user activity without consent.
Scindia Says App Just for Cyber-Safety
Jyotiraditya Scindia rejected all spying claims. He told the House that Sanchar Saathi cannot snoop or monitor any user data. He clarified the app remains “voluntary” and users can uninstall it anytime. He also said the app works only if a user registers — idle apps won’t collect anything.
What the App Does
Sanchar Saathi helps users track lost or stolen phones, verify if suspicious mobile connections exist under their name, and report telecom fraud. The government says it aims to protect citizens from scams, misuse of SIMs and device theft.
Backlash and Government’s Retraction
After severe backlash over privacy fears the government withdrew its order that required all new phones to ship with Sanchar Saathi pre-installed. Now the app remains optional. The rollback came after public and industry outcry.
