Union Minister for Telecom and Communications Jyotiraditya Scindia on Tuesday clarified that activating the Sanchar Saathi app is entirely optional and not mandatory, amid rising concerns over privacy and fears of state surveillance.
The minister emphasised that the state-developed cybersecurity app involves no spying or call monitoring.
“If you want, you can activate it; if you don't, then don’t activate it... If you don't want Sanchar Saathi, you can delete it. It's not mandatory. It is optional,” Scindia said, addressing the uproar following the Centre’s directive to smartphone manufacturers to pre-install the app. He underlined that the government’s motive behind the direction is solely to ensure wider access to a tool designed to curb cyber fraud.
The clarification comes a day after the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) ordered all smartphone manufacturers to pre-install Sanchar Saathi on new mobile devices. Devices already in use will receive the app through a software update, with companies given 90 days to implement the mandate.
Launched in January 2025, the Sanchar Saathi app offers multiple services, including blocking stolen phones, checking mobile connections registered in one’s name, and reporting suspected fraud. The recent directive has not only created friction with smartphone manufacturers but has also stirred a political debate over data collection and user consent.
Scindia emphasised that the government’s role is limited to making the app available as a public safety tool. “Keeping it on their devices or not is entirely up to users,” he said, rejecting claims of mandatory installation. He highlighted the practical impact of the initiative, noting that the Sanchar Saathi portal has been downloaded over 20 crore times, while the app itself has more than 1.5 crore downloads.
“The Sanchar Saathi app has enabled the disconnection of nearly 1.75 crore fraudulent mobile connections. Around 20 lakh stolen phones have been traced, and approximately 7.5 lakh stolen phones have been returned to their rightful owners. This app does not enable snooping or call monitoring,” Scindia added, underlining that users have full control over activation and can delete the app anytime.
Addressing misconceptions, the minister compared Sanchar Saathi to any other mobile app that can be installed or removed at will. “It is about customer protection. It is our duty to introduce this app to everyone. Keeping it on their devices or not is up to the user. It can be deleted from the mobile phone just like any other app,” he said.
Meanwhile, BJP leader Amit Malviya urged citizens not to fall for “fake news” about the app, stressing that it is not a surveillance tool. He clarified that the app cannot read messages, listen to calls, or access personal data, and is designed purely to enhance telecom safety.
Malviya highlighted that Sanchar Saathi helps users report spam, block stolen phones, detect spoofed calls, and verify SIMs issued in their name. He described the platform as a security safeguard, essential amid rising cybercrime, noting millions of devices blocked or traced and numerous fraud attempts prevented.