Centre’s Directive on Sanchar Saathi App Sparks Debate on Digital Rights

Why in the News?

The Union Government recently directed smartphone manufacturers to pre-install the Sanchar Saathi app on all new devices and push it via software updates to existing phones.
Initially, the government also stated that the app must be non-deletable, raising major concerns around privacy and digital autonomy. However, the Telecom Minister later clarified that the app is not mandatory and can be deleted by users.

About Sanchar Saathi

• Developed by the Department of Telecommunications (DoT), Sanchar Saathi is officially described as an optional smartphone app and website.
• It aims to improve user security, prevent mobile fraud, and provide digital literacy material on telecom and cyber safety.
• It offers multiple citizen-centric services including fraud reporting, stolen phone tracking, and updates on telecom policies.

Key Services Offered by Sanchar Saathi

1. Chakshu: Reporting Suspected Fraud

Allows users to report suspicious communications such as:

• Fake KYC alerts
• Fraudulent investment schemes
• Impersonation of police, TRAI, DoT
• Phishing links, malicious APKs, and device-cloning attempts

Note: Chakshu is not meant for filing cybercrime complaints.

Users may also report spam/UCC under TRAI’s TCCCPR 2018 regulations.

2. Block & Track Lost or Stolen Devices

Using the IMEI number, users can:

• Block a stolen device
• Track it when someone attempts to use it
• Unblock it after recovery

This leverages the central database of IMEI records maintained by networks.

3. Mandatory Mobile-Number Registration

• Users must register with their mobile number to access services.
• On Android devices, the app automatically detects the number and sends an SMS to DoT without explicit user consent.
• This has triggered widespread privacy concerns.

What Permissions Does Sanchar Saathi Request?

• Send SMS — to transmit the registration message to DoT
• Call/SMS Logs — for reporting suspicious communications
• Photos/Files — to upload screenshots for fraud reporting
• Camera Access — to scan IMEI barcode

These permissions are extensive and form a major part of the privacy debate.

Legal Basis for Mandating Sanchar Saathi

The directive draws authority from:

• Telecommunications Act, 2023
• Telecom Cyber Security (TCS) Rules, 2024, amended in 2025

Originally, DoT’s mandate applied only to telecom operators.
But the 2025 amendment greatly broadened the scope.

Expanded Definition Under TCS Rules: TIUE

The amendment introduced Telecommunication Identifier User Entity (TIUE) — any entity that uses a phone number for user verification, including:

• Smartphone manufacturers
• WhatsApp & messaging platforms
• Apps using phone-number login/verification

Under this, DoT has already mandated:

• Auto log-out of WhatsApp Web sessions every 6 hours
• Deactivation of WhatsApp accounts when used without the registered SIM
• Pre-installation of Sanchar Saathi on all devices

Constitutional Concerns & Right to Privacy

Experts argue that mandatory installation and non-removal of the app could face constitutional scrutiny.

Key Concerns

• Forced compliance violates digital autonomy.
• Creating non-deletable apps requires deep OS-level changes, possibly reducing device security.
• Government-backed apps receive wide exemptions under India’s Data Protection Act, increasing fears of surveillance.
• Under the Puttaswamy judgment (2017), any intrusion must meet tests of:
  • Legality
  • Necessity
  • Proportionality
  • Least intrusive means

If Sanchar Saathi is non-removable, the requirement may not pass these constitutional thresholds.