The Central government has officially withdrawn its controversial directive that required all smartphone companies to pre-install the Sanchar Saathi app on new devices. The mandate, announced on November 28, had triggered intense backlash from privacy activists, cybersecurity experts, and opposition leaders who called it a threat to digital freedom. Amid rising criticism and industry resistance, the government has now rolled back the Sanchar Saathi order.
Launched in 2023, the portal allows users to identify SIMs linked to their ID, track lost phones, and report cyber fraud. The app introduced this year was intended to strengthen the country’s fight against cybercrime. But the order making Sanchar Saathi mandatory—and impossible to uninstall—led to widespread concern over user rights and privacy.
Why The Centre Took Back The Sanchar Saathi Mandate
While the Ministry of Communications said it recalled the mandate due to the app’s “increasing acceptance,” insiders paint a different picture. A government source told HT that the Department of Telecommunications was under “too much pressure” from smartphone companies to withdraw the decision.
Officials admitted that once they accepted users could delete the app, “anyone planning fraud would simply remove it,” defeating the purpose of compulsory pre-installation. This undermined the very logic behind the mandate and contributed to its collapse.
Legal experts consulted informally by the government also warned that the order would not stand up in court. They noted that restricting users from removing Sanchar Saathi could violate constitutional protections related to privacy and digital autonomy.
Apple and Samsung Reportedly Refused To Comply
Adding to the pressure, a Reuters report revealed that Apple and Samsung two of India’s biggest smartphone sellers refused to follow the order. Their pushback, coupled with public outrage, forced the government to step back from making Sanchar Saathi a non-removable system app.
FAQs
Q: Why did the Centre withdraw the mandatory Sanchar Saathi order?
A: Due to privacy concerns, industry pressure, and legal issues surrounding compulsory installation of Sanchar Saathi.
Q: Was uninstalling Sanchar Saathi restricted under the original mandate?
A: Yes, the government initially required that users must not be able to remove the app.
Q: What is the purpose of the Sanchar Saathi app?
A: Sanchar Saathi lets users check linked SIMs, report fraud, and track lost or stolen mobile phones.
Q: Did smartphone giants oppose the mandate?
A: Yes, Apple and Samsung reportedly refused to comply with the government’s order.
