Parliament Winter Session / Sanchar Saathi App is Optional and Deletable: Scindia Dispels Opposition's Misconceptions

Union Minister for Communications, Jyotiraditya Scindia, has addressed and dispelled the widespread confusion and allegations surrounding the Sanchar Saathi app, stating unequivocally that it's an entirely optional application. Users have the complete freedom to keep it or delete it from their devices. Scindia firmly asserted that the app's primary objective is to ensure consumer safety and security, not to spy on citizens, as has been falsely claimed by the opposition.

Countering Opposition's Allegations

The controversy surrounding the Sanchar Saathi app began after the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) issued instructions for mobile handset manufacturers and importers to pre-install the app on all new devices within 90 days, a directive given on November 28. This move was met with strong opposition, with Congress MP Priyanka Gandhi. Labeling it a 'spy app' and raising concerns about citizens' right to privacy. She argued that everyone has the right to privacy when messaging family and friends, free from government surveillance.

CPI-M MP John Brittas echoed these sentiments, stating that the Sanchar Saathi app constitutes a blatant intrusion into people's privacy and violates the Supreme Court's 2017 Puttaswamy judgment on the right to privacy. In response to these criticisms, Scindia stated that when the opposition lacks substantive issues, they. Resort to finding something to criticize, and the government can't assist them in such endeavors. He reiterated that the government's core responsibility is to aid consumers and ensure their safety and security.

Emphasis on Consumer Safety

Scindia elaborated that the Sanchar Saathi app was introduced specifically to provide enhanced security to consumers, while he highlighted that the app empowers every consumer to ensure their own safety. He explicitly clarified that the app doesn't enable spying or call monitoring. Users can activate or deactivate it at their discretion. If a user doesn't wish to have the Sanchar Saathi app, they can remove it from their mobile phone just like any other application. It's entirely up to the user whether to keep it on their device or not. This clarification aims to alleviate concerns about the app being mandatory or infringing upon privacy rights, reinforcing its optional nature and user-centric design.

Achievements and Impact of Sanchar Saathi

The Union Minister also showcased the significant achievements of the Sanchar Saathi initiative. He informed that the Sanchar Saathi portal has been downloaded over 20 crore times, while the app itself has seen more than 1. 5 crore downloads. These figures underscore the widespread adoption and utility of the initiative. Plus, Scindia revealed that Sanchar Saathi has been instrumental in disconnecting approximately 1. 75 crore fraudulent mobile connections. In addition, around 20 lakh stolen phones have been traced, and a remarkable 7. 5 lakh of these stolen phones have been successfully returned to their rightful owners. These statistics demonstrate the app's effectiveness in combating fraud and recovering stolen devices, thereby Notably enhancing consumer security in the digital realm.

Understanding the Sanchar Saathi App

The Sanchar Saathi app is a citizen-centric initiative by the Department of Telecommunications (DoT), Government of India. The government claims its objective is to empower mobile users, strengthen their security, and raise awareness about various government schemes. Its primary goal is to help individuals protect themselves from fraud and other mobile-related crimes. The app provides features such as tracking mobile connections, blocking lost or stolen phones, and reporting fraudulent connections, while despite the initial directive for pre-installation, Scindia's clarification firmly establishes that the app remains an optional tool designed to enhance user safety and combat digital fraud, rather than an intrusive surveillance mechanism. It serves as a crucial tool in the government's efforts to create a safer digital environment for its citizens.

#WATCH | Delhi | On the debate around Sanchar Saathi app, Union Minister for Communications Jyotiraditya Scindia says, "When the opposition has no issues, and they are trying to find some, we cannot help them. Our duty is to help the consumers and ensure their safety. The Sanchar… https://t.co/Kr3juNrGFq pic.twitter.com/npwm9R1Kf2

— ANI (@ANI) December 2, 2025