Sanchar Saathi downloads soar tenfold despite Opposition outcry over privacy concerns

Under the November 28 directive, all handset makers must pre-install Sanchar Saathi on devices sold in India and roll it out to existing users through a software update

Sanchar Saathi, the government's cyber security and safety app, saw downloads surge tenfold on Tuesday, jumping from a daily average of about 60,000 to nearly 6 lakh, a PTI report said, quoting Department of Telecom (DoT) sources.

The spike came even as Opposition leaders and several industry experts criticised the DoT's directive requiring mobile phone manufacturers to pre-install the app, alleging it could be used for "snooping" and may infringe on citizens' privacy.

A DoT official told PTI that public response to the app suddenly picked up, with total downloads now reaching 1.5 crore even before the latest order was issued.

Under the November 28 directive, all handset makers must pre-install Sanchar Saathi on devices sold in India and roll it out to existing users through a software update.

Manufacturers have also been instructed to ensure that the app is clearly visible during device setup and that its functionalities remain fully operational.

Telecom Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia has clarified that users are free to delete the app if they choose. DoT sources reiterated this, explaining to PTI that terms like "readily visible and accessible" and "functionalities are not disabled or restricted" apply only to manufacturers and do not prevent citizens from uninstalling the app.

Officials told PTI that Sanchar Saathi has limited access to phone data and only to the extent permitted by users during each instance of reporting fraud.

The app requests access to "make and manage phone calls" to verify the active SIM before registration and sends a single SMS for verification - similar to OTP processes used by banking and UPI apps. It may also request camera access to scan IMEI codes, upload fraud screenshots, or capture evidence, depending on user action. They emphasised that the app does not access contacts, location, microphone, Bluetooth or other private data, and does not harvest information beyond the specific permissions granted. Users can withdraw permissions or uninstall the app at any time.

Amol Kulkarni, Director for Research at CUTS International, told PTI that while the intent behind the app is positive, mandating its pre-installation without public consultation raises concerns about expectations of unquestioned trust in the government.

Sanjeev Kumar, Senior Partner at Luthra and Luthra Law Offices India, said in the PTI report that the government's push stems from a severe telecom security challenge, particularly involving spoofed or tampered devices. He noted that Sanchar Saathi aims to authenticate genuine handsets using IMEI verification and offers tools to report stolen phones, fraud calls, and suspicious communications.

He added that the mandate follows what authorities describe as a "peak menace" of digital arrest scams, where criminals impersonate law enforcement officials to extort victims. The scale of the threat has prompted the Supreme Court to direct the CBI to investigate such scams nationwide. Kumar said the government views Sanchar Saathi as a frontline defence mechanism, especially for vulnerable groups such as senior citizens who are often targeted.