Communications Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia on Wednesday firmly rejected concerns over surveillance linked to the Sanchar Saathi safety app, stating that snooping is “neither possible nor will it happen”. The remarks come amid a row over the Ministry of Communications’ recent directive requiring smartphone manufacturers to preload the government-run cybersecurity app on all new devices.
Responding during Question Hour in the Lok Sabha, Scindia said the app is designed solely for citizens’ protection. “Sanchar Saathi app se na snooping sambhav hai, na snooping hoga,” he emphasised.
The minister said the government’s intention is to empower users with tools to safeguard themselves against misuse of mobile connections, fraud, and cyber threats.
A ministry order issued on November 28 mandates that all mobile manufacturers must pre-install the Sanchar Saathi app on every handset sold in India. It also requires that the app be pushed to existing devices through a software update.
According to the order, the app must be easily visible and accessible to users at the time of first device setup, and its functions must not be disabled or restricted.
On Tuesday, Scindia clarified that users who do not wish to use the app are free to delete it after purchase.
