The Government of India has officially withdrawn its directive requiring all mobile phones manufactured or imported in the country to come with the Sanchar Saathi app pre-installed. The rollback comes just a day after the original mandate, following widespread criticism and a sharp surge in voluntary adoption of the Sanchar Saathi app.
Why The Government Reversed Its Decision
The initial rule was issued under Rule 8(4) of the Telecommunications (Telecom Cyber Security) Rules, 2024. However, a fresh PIB release clarified that the government no longer sees the need for compulsory pre-installation due to the increasing acceptance of the Sanchar Saathi app.
Officials emphasized that the Sanchar Saathi app was designed purely as a citizen-friendly cybersecurity tool. It helps users report fraud, monitor mobile connections, and stay protected from online threats. The government also underlined that the app can be uninstalled at any time and does not access personal information beyond what is necessary for security.
Surge In Adoption Strengthened The Rollback
The government disclosed strong usage numbers that directly influenced the reversal:
* 1.4 crore users have already downloaded the Sanchar Saathi app
* Nearly 2,000 fraud cases are reported every day
* Six lakh new registrations were recorded in just 24 hours
This sudden spike reflects growing public trust. The Centre stated that citizens are willingly adopting the Sanchar Saathi app, making a mandatory rollout unnecessary.
What Users Need To Know Now
The Sanchar Saathi app will continue to be available for download across the country. Users can still benefit from fraud reporting, mobile number tracking, and cyber safety features without any forced installation.
FAQs
1. Why did the government withdraw the mandatory rollout of the Sanchar Saathi app?
The decision was reversed due to the sudden rise in voluntary downloads and strong public trust.
2. Is the Sanchar Saathi app safe for users?
Yes, the app functions only as a cybersecurity tool and does not invade user privacy.
3. Can citizens uninstall the Sanchar Saathi app?
Yes, users can uninstall it anytime since its use remains completely voluntary.
4. What is the purpose of the Sanchar Saathi app?
It helps users stay safe from mobile-related fraud, report scams, and track mobile connections.
