Sanchar Saathi to Be Pre-Installed on All New Smartphones, Experts Warn of Privacy Risks
In a move that has triggered intense debate across the tech and policy ecosystem, the Government of India has directed that all new smartphones sold from March 2026 must come with the Sanchar Saathi app pre-installed. This is the first time any application in India has been approved for mandatory and permanent installation on every new device.
While the government argues that the app enhances user safety and helps curb digital fraud, critics, privacy activists and opposition leaders warn that the decision may undermine user consent, data privacy and the spirit of the Digital Personal Data Protection Act (DPDPA).
What Does the New Directive Say?
The order, issued by the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) on November 28, mandates manufacturers to preload the Sanchar Saathi app without allowing it to be disabled.
Further:
- Older phones will also receive the app through software updates.
- Phone makers and importers must comply within 90 days.This mandatory roll-out has raised eyebrows because India has never before required a government app to be built directly into smartphones at the manufacturing stage.
Can Users Remove the App? Govt Says 'Yes', Experts Say 'Not So Simple'
Following criticism, the DoT clarified on X (Twitter) that users can delete the app whenever they want, saying it works like any regular app.
Communications Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia also stated that the app becomes active only after user registration, and those who do not wish to use it can simply avoid activating or can uninstall it.
However, the opposition disagrees.
Congress MP Priyanka Gandhi called it a “spying app,” accusing the government of invading citizens’ private communications. She said such measures risk turning India into “a dictatorship.”
What Is Sanchar Saathi Designed For?
According to the government, the app is aimed at:
- Tracking stolen phones
- Protecting identity
- Checking fraudulent mobile connections
- Blocking lost devices via IMEI verification
The app works by verifying the phone’s IMEI against DoT’s CEIR (Central Equipment Identity Register) database. This system has reportedly helped block over 37 lakh stolen or lost smartphones and recover more than 22.7 lakh devices so far.
But critics like Nikhil Pahwa from Medianama warn that the app could effectively become a government tracker, especially if permissions expand over time.
What Access Does the App Seek?
Permissions on Android phones include:
- Make and Manage Calls
- Send SMS (to complete one-time registration via message to 14422)
- Access Call/SMS logs (for reporting suspicious activity)
- Access Photos, Files (for uploading screenshots or proof of theft)
- Camera Access (to scan IMEI barcodes)
On iPhones, permissions are more limited, mostly involving:
- Camera
- Photos/files upload
The government insists these permissions are essential for the app’s functions. Privacy experts argue the opposite, saying deep phone access poses massive risks if misused or altered in future updates.
Will Users’ Data Be Safe?
The government claims:
- No personal data is collected without user knowledge
- Any collected data is used only for stated purposes
- It is not shared with third parties unless legally required
But experts remain unconvinced.
Cyber lawyer Virag Gupta warns that such an app could allow authorities access to sensitive information like:
- Location
- Personal conversations
- Daily activity
- Financial behaviour
He calls the potential risks “extremely serious” for citizens’ digital rights.
Was Public Consent or Consultation Taken?
Analysts argue that the decision was taken without any public debate or consultation, despite its major implications on privacy and data protection laws.
Opposition parties term the move “unconstitutional,” saying states — responsible for cybercrime — were not involved in the decision-making.
A Counterpoint Research survey from November 2025 found that 6 out of 10 Indian smartphone users dislike pre-installed apps, reinforcing fears of public pushback.
Can the App Enable Real-Time Surveillance?
Officially, the government denies any such possibility.
However, experts point out that India’s surveillance laws are already broad, and apps like this can be activated for monitoring under legal orders.
This fuels concern that Sanchar Saathi could someday expand into a tool for mass tracking.
How Does This Compare Globally?
Most democratic countries, including the US, Germany, Japan and EU nations, do not mandate any government apps on phones.
In fact, the EU’s Digital Markets Act requires tech companies to allow users to delete pre-installed apps — the opposite of India’s approach.
The only major comparison is Russia, where all new devices must install the government-backed Max messaging app, widely criticised as a surveillance tool.
How Are Smartphone Companies Responding?
- Apple pre-installs only its own apps and has historically rejected government-mandated installations.
- Experts believe Apple may negotiate a compromise by offering optional installation prompts instead of preloading.With over 95% of Indian phones running Android, the burden will fall primarily on Android manufacturers to comply.
Does This Align With India’s Data Protection Act?
The DPDPA 2023 emphasises user consent as the core principle.
Legal experts argue that forcing an app onto users — especially one that cannot be restricted — could violate:
- Privacy rights
- User autonomy
- Constitutional freedoms
Supreme Court lawyer Dinesh Jotwani calls it a direct challenge to the user’s right to decide what stays on their device.
Conclusion: Safety Tool or Surveillance Gateway?
The Sanchar Saathi mandate sits at the centre of India’s growing data governance debate.
While the government insists it is essential for security, critics fear it may open the door to unprecedented digital surveillance and erosion of user freedom.
As tech companies, opposition leaders and digital rights groups push back, the government may need to reassess the directive — or prepare for a prolonged national debate on privacy and state control.
Story: Staff BlazeB
Pics Courtesy: unsplash.com; pixabay.com
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