U-turn in Sanchar Saathi? Backlash from Apple?

U-turn in Sanchar Saathi app? The mandatory word is removed. The Government has remove the mandate on the pre-installation of the app in the smartphone.

The decision comes hours after union telecom minister comment on the snooping allegation on the privacy of citizens’ private data made by the opposition.

What is Sanchar Saathi App?

The Sanchar Saathi portal and app are citizen-centric initiatives from the DoT designed to empower mobile subscribers and strengthen security. Key features include:

• Blocking Lost Devices
• Checking Connections
• Reporting Fraud 

The DoT had issued an order on November 28, 2025, requiring smartphone manufacturers to pre-install the Sanchar Saathi cybersecurity app on new devices and include it via software updates within specific deadlines.

The mandate faced significant backlash from privacy experts and tech companies, including Apple, raising concerns about potential surveillance and regulatory overreach. The government officially cited surging voluntary user adoption (over 1.4 crore downloads) as a reason the mandate was no longer necessary.

The app’s pre-installation is no longer compulsory. Telecom Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia clarified that the app is now optional and can be downloaded or deleted at the user’s discretion. 

For more update refer: https://sancharsaathi.gov.in/