Is the DoT's Order to Pre-Install 'Sanchar Saathi' App an Assault on Privacy?
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Synopsis
K.C. Venugopal has sharply criticized the DoT's directive to mandate the pre-installation of the Sanchar Saathi app on all smartphones in India, labeling it a serious violation of privacy rights. He vows to challenge the order in court and lead a nationwide campaign against what he calls digital dictatorship.
Key Takeaways
- Venugopal condemns the DoT's directive as a violation of constitutional rights.
- The Sanchar Saathi app is mandated to be pre-installed on all smartphones sold in India.
- Concerns about mass surveillance and loss of privacy are at the forefront of the debate.
- The Congress party plans legal action and a nationwide campaign against the directive.
- Growing opposition from various political and digital rights groups.
New Delhi, Dec 1 (NationPress) Congress General Secretary and Lok Sabha MP K.C. Venugopal launched a strong critique against the Central government on Monday, condemning the Department of Telecommunications' recent move to mandate the pre-installation of the ‘Sanchar Saathi’ app on every new smartphone sold in India as a “flagrant violation of the Constitution” and a “final blow to personal privacy”.
In a series of pointed statements, Venugopal asserted: “Big Brother cannot surveil us. This DoT Directive is utterly unconstitutional. The Right to Privacy is a fundamental right under Article 21. A factory-installed, non-removable government app on all Indian phones is nothing more than state surveillance disguised as 'cybersecurity'.”
He added, “This pre-installed app that cannot be deleted is a dystopian instrument for tracking every movement, every interaction, and every personal choice of 1.4 billion citizens. From Pegasus to VPN prohibitions to now imposing 'Sanchar Saathi' on us, this is the latest chapter in the BJP’s ongoing assault on constitutional rights. We vehemently reject this authoritarian directive and demand its immediate and unconditional repeal,” said the prominent Congress figure.
The catalyst for this backlash is a DoT order dated November 28, 2025 (No. 1-7/2025-AI DIU) that mandates all manufacturers and importers to pre-install the government’s Sanchar Saathi application on every mobile device sold in India within 90 days.
The app, supposedly designed to identify fake or duplicate IMEI numbers and enable citizens to report suspicious devices, will be non-disableable and must remain “readily visible and accessible” to users.
Venugopal accused the government of “weaponizing a legitimate anti-fraud mechanism into a mass-surveillance behemoth” and warned that once every Indian device carries a government app that cannot be removed, “there will be no private moments left in this nation.”
The Congress leader declared that the party plans to challenge the order in the Supreme Court and will initiate a nationwide campaign named “Mera Phone, Meri Marzi – No to Digital Dictatorship.”
Numerous digital rights organizations, opposition chief ministers, and even some BJP allies have expressed discomfort with this mandate, with sources indicating that the issue is likely to gain traction when Parliament's Winter Session commences next week. As of now, the Ministry of Communications has not responded to the escalating criticism.
Point of View
The concerns raised by K.C. Venugopal regarding the DoT's directive highlight crucial debates about privacy rights in India. As digital surveillance becomes more pervasive, it is imperative to balance security measures with the fundamental rights enshrined in the Constitution. The upcoming parliamentary discussions will be pivotal in shaping this issue.
NationPress
01/12/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Sanchar Saathi app?
The Sanchar Saathi app is a government initiative aimed at detecting fake or duplicate IMEI numbers and enabling citizens to report suspicious mobile devices.
Why is the pre-installation of the app controversial?
The pre-installation is seen as a violation of privacy rights, with critics arguing it compromises personal freedom by imposing state surveillance on mobile devices.
What are the implications of this directive?
The implications include a potential erosion of privacy rights for Indian citizens and a shift towards greater governmental control over personal technology.
What actions is the Congress party taking against this order?
The Congress party plans to challenge the order in the Supreme Court and launch a nationwide campaign against digital dictatorship.
How have digital rights organizations reacted?
Several digital rights organizations and political leaders have expressed concern over the directive, indicating a growing unease about privacy issues in India.
