Why Did the Government Withdraw the Sanchar Saathi App's Pre-Installation Requirement?
Click to start listening
Synopsis
In a surprising move, the government has lifted the compulsory pre-installation rule for the Sanchar Saathi app, citing increased voluntary downloads. This decision reflects a growing public trust in the app, which aims to protect citizens from cybercrime. Discover how this shift impacts users and the landscape of cybersecurity in India.
Key Takeaways
- The government has revoked the mandate for pre-installing the Sanchar Saathi app.
- Voluntary user registrations have surged, indicating growing public trust.
- 1.4 crore users have engaged with the app, reporting around 2,000 fraud incidents daily.
- The app is designed solely for user protection against cyber fraud.
- Users can uninstall the app at their discretion, promoting active participation in cybersecurity.
New Delhi, Dec 3 (NationPress) The government announced on Wednesday that it has rescinded the requirement for mobile manufacturers to pre-load the Sanchar Saathi app on all smartphones. This decision follows a significant increase in voluntary user sign-ups and heightened public confidence in the application.
The Ministry of Communications noted that the app, which is intended to safeguard citizens against cyber fraud and telecom-related offenses, has gained considerable traction, thereby rendering the compulsory installation unnecessary.
“As of now, 1.4 crore users have downloaded the Sanchar Saathi app, contributing to the reporting of nearly 2,000 fraud cases each day,” the ministry stated.
“Just in the past 24 hours, six lakh individuals registered to access the app, reflecting a tenfold increase in adoption,” it added.
Originally, the mandate aimed to ensure that less-informed citizens could utilize cybersecurity tools.
However, due to the recent surge in voluntary uptake, the government has decided to roll back the rule.
“Considering the growing acceptance of Sanchar Saathi, the government has opted against making pre-installation mandatory for mobile device manufacturers,” the Centre confirmed.
The ministry stressed that the app is secure, does not include any surveillance features, and is solely designed to protect users from fraudsters and assist them in reporting cybercrimes.
It also highlighted that users can delete the app at any time, promoting “jan bhagidari” by allowing citizens to actively participate in combating cybercrime.
This announcement coincided with Communications Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia's firm denial of snooping accusations in Parliament.
During the Lok Sabha session, he asserted that the app does not monitor users and remains dormant unless the individual opts to register.
“Snooping is neither feasible nor will it occur with the Sanchar Saathi safety app,” Scindia stated, adding in Hindi, “Sanchar Saathi app se na snooping sambhav hai, na snooping hoga.”
He emphasized that the app is exclusively intended to aid individuals in protecting themselves from digital threats, including fraudulent mobile connections, scam calls, and lost or stolen devices.
Point of View
I believe this decision reflects the government's responsiveness to public sentiment. The withdrawal of the pre-installation mandate signals confidence in users' ability to make informed choices regarding cybersecurity tools. It emphasizes the importance of voluntary participation in combating cybercrime, aligning with the broader goals of empowering citizens in the digital age.
NationPress
05/12/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Sanchar Saathi app?
The Sanchar Saathi app is developed by the Indian government to help citizens protect themselves from cyber fraud and telecom-related crimes.
Why was the pre-installation mandate withdrawn?
The government withdrew the mandate due to a significant increase in voluntary user registrations and public trust in the app.
How many users have downloaded the Sanchar Saathi app?
Currently, over 1.4 crore users have downloaded the Sanchar Saathi app.
Is the app safe to use?
Yes, the Sanchar Saathi app is designed to be secure, with no surveillance features, focusing solely on protecting users from fraud.
Can users delete the app after installation?
Absolutely, users have the freedom to delete the Sanchar Saathi app whenever they choose.
