The Indian government has officially withdrawn its directive requiring smartphone manufacturers to pre-install the Sanchar Saathi app on all new devices
According to the revised decision, the Sanchar Saathi app will no longer be mandatory. Users now have the freedom to install — or not install — the app, and even if pre-installed, they may choose to uninstall it.
The reversal comes after a strong public reaction over privacy and digital rights concerns.
Background: What Triggered the Original Mandate
The app — launched earlier by the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) — was intended as a cybersecurity tool to help users track lost or stolen phones, report suspicious calls or use false IMEIs, and prevent telecom fraud
On November 28, 2025, DoT issued a directive ordering all smartphone manufacturers and importers to pre-install Sanchar Saathi on every handset destined for sale in India, and even push it to existing phones via software updates. The initial order also specified that the app should remain visible and functional, and not be disabled by users.
Manufacturers were given 90 days to comply, and non-compliance would lead to regulatory penalties under the updated Telecom Cyber Security rules.
Why the Policy Was Rolled Back: Privacy, Pushback, and Public Outcry
The mandate sparked immediate backlash from privacy advocates, digital-rights groups, opposition parties, and many consumers. Critics argued that forcing a government-owned app onto smartphones — without user consent or the ability to remove it — was a breach of privacy and personal autonomy.
Some smartphone makers, especially those using locked ecosystems, notably raised concerns about compliance — as did global tech firms whose devices sell in India.
Moreover, confusion over whether the app could be uninstalled — and fears of possible surveillance misuse — further escalated public anxiety
Recognizing the rising discomfort, the government chose to withdraw the mandate and shift to a voluntary model. Officials also claimed that the rising voluntary adoption of Sanchar Saathi — with millions already using it — validated the approach.
What Sanchar Saathi Offers — And What Remains Voluntary
Sanchar Saathi remains available as a regular app — but now without mandatory pre-installation. Users who wish to use its services can download and use it; others can ignore it or uninstall if pre-loaded.
The app provides several telecom-security related services:
- Device verification through IMEI checks to detect counterfeit or tampered handsets.
- Reporting lost or stolen devices, and blocking them to prevent misuse. Hindustan Times
- Reporting suspicious calls or fraud, and safeguarding users against telecom-fraud threats.
The government has clarified that the app does not include call-monitoring or hidden surveillance features; it is designed as a user tool for safety and fraud prevention.
What This Decision Means — For Users, Privacy, and Digital Policy
✅ Respect for User Choice and Privacy
By making Sanchar Saathi optional, the government has acknowledged public concerns about digital autonomy. Users are no longer forced to carry a state-mandated app, and may choose based on their comfort level — strengthening user agency.
📱 Maintains Access to Cybersecurity Tools Without Coercion
Citizens interested in protecting themselves from phone-related fraud or misuse can still use Sanchar Saathi voluntarily. The app remains accessible, and its utility persists for those who choose to adopt it.
⚠️ Sets a Precedent for Consent-Based Digital Policy
This reversal shows the challenge of top-down mandates on personal devices. Future digital/cybersecurity policies may take this into account, favouring consent-based and privacy-conscious approaches.
🔄 Industry & Regulatory Significance
Smartphone manufacturers and importers — who were under compliance pressure — now have clarity. They can avoid potential legal and manufacturing complications while still offering Sanchar Saathi as a user-optional feature.
What’s Next — What to Watch
- Will Sanchar Saathi continue to gain voluntary users, or will adoption drop now that it’s optional?
- How will the government promote digital literacy or cybersecurity awareness around the app without mandates?
- Will similar future measures follow the consent-based model — especially when dealing with user data and device access?
- How will criticism and privacy-rights voices shape India’s approach to cybersecurity tools and digital infrastructure?
Conclusion
The government’s decision to withdraw the mandatory pre-installation of Sanchar Saathi marks a notable shift in India’s digital-policy direction — from coercive to consent-based rollout. By prioritizing user choice, it addresses major privacy concerns, while still preserving access to essential cybersecurity tools for those who want them.
