Amid Severe Backlash, Union Minister Says Sanchar Saathi App ‘Optional’
The Wire Staff
Real journalism holds power accountable
Since 2015, The Wire has done just that.
But we can continue only with your support.
New Delhi: Amid severe criticism following the Union Ministry of Communications' move to direct smartphone makers and importers to pre-install a government-owned cyber security app, Sanchar Saathi, on all new devices and ensure that users cannot delete it, the Union minister for communications Jyotiraditya Scindia told reporters that the app will be "optional."
“You can activate or deactivate call monitoring as per your wish. If you want to keep it in your phone, keep it. If you want to delete it, then do so,” Scindia said in Hindi outside the parliament today, December 2.
“If you don't want Sanchar Saathi, you can delete it. It is optional... It is about customer protection. I want to clear all misconceptions... It is our duty to introduce this app to everyone. Keeping it on their devices or not is up upto the user... It can be deleted from the mobile phone just like any other app," he was quoted as having said.
While Scindia said that the app will remain optional, the government's own statement on the Press Information Bureau's website said that the directions had to be complied with.
It also highlighted provisions of the Telecom Cyber Security Rules to ask phone makers to ensure that the app remains pre-installed and that it cannot be disabled.
“Ensure that the pre-installed Sanchar Saathi application is readily visible and accessible to the end users at the time of first use or device setup and that its functionalities are not disabled or restricted,” the government said.
The directions issued by DoT also do not mention that the app will be optional as claimed by the minister.
Paragraph 7(b) of the directions also state that manufacturers and importers of handsets intended for use in India are to
“Ensure that the pre-installed Sanchar Saathi application is readily visible and accessible to the end users at the time of first use or device setup and that its functionalities are not disabled or restricted."
The directions also state that manufacturer and importers of mobile handsets have 90 days complete the implementation of this direction and 120 days to submit a report.
This article went live on December second, two thousand twenty five, at zero minutes past two in the afternoon.The Wire is now on WhatsApp. Follow our channel for sharp analysis and opinions on the latest developments.