The Sanchar Saathi app has sparked debate after the government directed telecom companies to pre-install it on new smartphones. While the government says the app is a security tool to prevent cyber fraud, opposition parties have raised concerns over privacy and data misuse. Here’s a detailed look at what the app does and why the controversy has erupted.
Launched in May 2023 by the Department of Telecommunications (DoT), Sanchar Saathi aims to protect users from cyber fraud, fake calls, and lost or stolen phones. Key features include:
Block or trace lost/stolen phones
Check how many mobile numbers are registered under your name
Report fake calls, spam, suspicious links, or messages
Verify if a mobile’s IMEI number is genuine
According to the government, the platform has helped track millions of lost phones and prevent numerous cyber fraud cases so far.
#WATCH | Delhi | On the debate around Sanchar Saathi app, Union Minister for Communications Jyotiraditya Scindia says, "When the opposition has no issues, and they are trying to find some, we cannot help them. Our duty is to help the consumers and ensure their safety. The Sanchar… https://t.co/Kr3juNrGFq pic.twitter.com/npwm9R1Kf2
— ANI (@ANI) December 2, 2025
Opposition leaders, including Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, have criticized the app, calling it a “snooping tool” and alleging that the government is infringing on citizens’ privacy. They argue that mandating pre-installation on all new phones without public debate or industry consultation is a step toward surveillance.
However, the government insists that these concerns are misplaced. Officials clarify that the app:
Does not collect personal data
Does not monitor calls or messages
Is entirely controlled by the user
The app’s purpose is solely to enhance security and help users report fraud faster.
India’s second-hand mobile market is expanding, and many devices sold are stolen or fake, with tampered IMEI numbers. Cyber criminals often exploit these loopholes for fraud.
By pre-installing Sanchar Saathi:
Users can quickly verify a phone’s authenticity
Fake or blacklisted phones can be identified immediately
Cybercrime reporting becomes faster, improving public safety
Telecom Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia clarified that the app will appear prominently on first-time phone startup, but it remains optional and removable.
Yes. The government has confirmed that:
Users can uninstall the app at any time
No monitoring or tracking occurs in the background
No personal information, call logs, or messages are accessed
The app functions purely as a security tool, helping users safeguard themselves against fraud without compromising privacy.
While the Sanchar Saathi app has become a flashpoint in privacy debates, the government emphasizes that it is optional, non-intrusive, and designed to enhance user security. Users concerned about data privacy can uninstall it anytime, making it a flexible tool for fraud prevention rather than a surveillance mechanis
