“If You Don’t Want Sanchar Saathi, Delete It”: Jyotiraditya Scindia on App Privacy Row

Union minister for communications Jyotiraditya Scindia addressed growing concerns around the government's directive to pre-install the Sanchar Saathi app on all new smartphones. He maintained that the app is optional and can be removed at the user's discretion, even if it comes pre-loaded.

App Is Optional, Says Scindia

Speaking to ANI on Tuesday, Scindia said, "If you don't want Sanchar Saathi, you can delete it. It is optional." He added that the government's role is only to introduce the tool across the country and that "keeping it in their devices or not, is up to the user." He described the initiative as a step towards greater "digital security."

The government has promoted Sanchar Saathi as a tool to verify the authenticity of devices and help track lost phones, but the move has sparked protests from privacy advocates and political opponents who likened it to intrusive surveillance.

Opposition Flags Surveillance Fear

Congress MP Renuka Chowdhury filed an adjournment motion in the Rajya Sabha seeking priority discussion on what the party has called a "Big Brother" policy. Several activists have warned that mandatory pre-installation could enable widespread monitoring of users and their data.

BJP Defends Pre-Install Push

BJP MP Shashank Mani Tripathi supported the Department of Telecommunications, insisting that the app strengthens citizen protection. "I'm from IIT, so I understand the types of cyber attacks that are taking place... This communication app will enhance people's sense of security. Our data won't escape, and every aspect of citizen protection that should be ensured will be digitally protected. I welcome this," ANI quoted him as saying.

What the App Can Do

Sanchar Saathi offers several functions such as reporting fraud, suspicious web links, and unsolicited commercial communication. It also allows users to block or track a lost device and check all mobile connections issued under their name.