Why Sanchar Saathi Mandate Sparks Concerns: A Deep Dive into the Cybersecurity App Controversy
In light of rising cybersecurity threats, the Government of India has recently introduced a directive mandating all smartphone manufacturers to pre-install the Sanchar Saathi app by March 2026. This move, led by the Department of Telecommunications (DoT), aims to curb frauds such as digital arrests and spoofed IMEI-based scams. However, while the intention is to fortify mobile phone security, the decision has been met with serious criticism from civil rights groups, privacy advocates, and even some global tech giants.
For aspirants preparing for competitive exams like UPSC, SSC, and Banking exams, this editorial becomes crucial as it opens discussions on topics such as privacy rights, legality of surveillance, ethical use of technology, and proportionality in public policy. Let's dive deeper into the editorial published in The Hindu on December 3, 2025, to understand the layered perspectives of this decision.
Image credit: The Hindu
Understanding the Sanchar Saathi Initiative
First conceptualized by the Department of Telecommunications, the Sanchar Saathi app was designed to help users:
- Verify the authenticity of their mobile phones
- Track stolen or lost handsets
- Block fake IMEIs and prevent illegal duplication
- Report cyber fraud directly
While the online platform version of Sanchar Saathi is already in use, the recent directive goes a step further by making its presence mandatory and undeletable on all upcoming mobile devices. This would mean the app may have privileged system-level access, leading to concerns over privacy violations.
What Prompted This Move?
Cybercrime trends today have become more advanced and transnational. A prime example is the shocking rise in issues like:
- Digital Arrests: Cybercriminals impersonating government officials using spoofed numbers to defraud citizens
- Spoofed/Tampered IMEIs: Tracking becomes nearly impossible when mobile devices have fake identity numbers
- Anonymous Messaging Apps: Messaging apps remain active even after a SIM is removed, aiding fraudsters
In response, on November 28 and December 1, 2025, the Union Government released two key orders:
- SIM Binding: Messaging apps like WhatsApp would need to auto-log out if the SIM is removed from the device
- Mandatory Preinstallation of Sanchar Saathi: All smartphones launched post-March 2026 must have the app built in and accessible at the time of first use
Why Are Concerns Being Raised?
1. Violation of Privacy Norms
Giving an app privileged access to core features like camera, messages, or files triggers immediate fears of surveillance. Such access, experts argue, could be misused not only by state agencies but also if the system is compromised.
India has already seen controversies related to Pegasus spyware, where allegations emerged of journalists and activists being targeted. The trust deficit therefore widens with any technological tool that carries such blanket access.
2. Contradiction of Deletion Rights & Ministerial Assurance
Although Union Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia clarified in Parliament that "users can choose to delete the app," the official directive contradicts this by saying functionalities must not be restricted. This mixed signal raises many red flags.
3. Failure of the 'Proportionality Test'
According to the landmark K.S. Puttaswamy judgment (2017) by the Supreme Court of India, any intrusion into personal privacy should abide by the three benchmarks:
- Legality: The action must be backed by law
- Necessity: The measure should be indispensable
- Proportionality: The least intrusive method should be adopted
Critics say that there already exist less intrusive methods, such as web portals, SMS-based verification, and USSD codes, that fulfill the desired outcomes. Therefore, mandatory app installation may not pass the proportionality check.
4. Manufacturer Resistance
Tech giant Apple has reportedly declined the government's request to comply, citing its commitment to user privacy and operational security. This could pull India into broader discussions about digital sovereignty and market autonomy.
Benefits of Sanchar Saathi (If Implemented Correctly)
- Curb on grey/black markets selling spoofed mobile phones
- Better coordination with law enforcement to trace cyber criminals
- Prevention of national security breaches through fake telecom channels
- Empowerment of consumers through fraud alerts and blocking features
Legal and Ethical Considerations
A technology's success lies in its ethical usage, transparency in policymaking, and robust grievance redressal mechanisms. In absence of a robust Data Protection Bill with strict compliance parameters, such intrusive technologies can inadvertently open the door to a 'surveillance state'.
Without judicial oversight and user consent norms, such state tools must be approached with caution, especially in a democratic setup like India. While the fear of cybercrime is legitimate, remedies must maintain a balance between security and liberty.
How This Editorial Is Relevant for UPSC, SSC, and Bank Exams
This editorial touches on multiple disciplines crucial for competitive exams:
- UPSC: GS Paper II (Governance, Privacy Rights, Role of Government), GS Paper III (Cybersecurity), and Ethics (Personal Liberty vs National Security)
- SSC & Banking: Current Affairs, Technology Awareness, Legal Developments, and Policy Analysis
- Essay & Interview Prep: Candidates can use this as a case study for topics like "Digital Surveillance in India", "Balancing Privacy and Security", and "Right to Information vs. Right to Privacy"
Quick Revision Quiz for Aspirants
- What is the core function of the Sanchar Saathi app?
- Which Supreme Court judgment laid down the legality-necessity-proportionality test?
- Mention two types of cybercrimes cited as reasons for this directive.
- Which tech giant reportedly refused to comply with the Sanchar Saathi mandate?
- What are alternative, less intrusive verification tools currently available according to The Hindu editorial?
Answer Key:
- Verifying device authenticity, enabling recovery of lost/stolen phones
- K.S. Puttaswamy judgment (2017)
- Digital arrests and cross-border spoofing using tampered IMEIs
- Apple
- Sanchar Saathi web portal, SMS-based services, and USSD code checks
Conclusion
Technology can be a swordsman's ally or a double-edged sword. The Sanchar Saathi initiative, while well-intended, must be implemented thoughtfully. Its current framework risks stepping into authoritarian overreach and may falter on constitutional grounds. For India, the way forward must blend technological progress with a citizen-centric approach steeped in privacy, transparency, and judicial scrutiny.
As a civil services aspirant, it is vital to evaluate such policy decisions not just for what they promise, but for how well they align with democratic values and constitutional principles. Stay informed, stay vigilant.
Content adapted and summarized from The Hindu e-Paper | Published on December 03, 2025 | Image Courtesy: thehindu.com
