Following the news of “Sanchar Sathi” app being pre-installed in smartphones across the country, a big question arose among people: Will this app impact phone privacy? Will the government be able to access mobile data? Can the app be removed? Biggest news: The government has withdrawn the pre-installation order. However, to clear up the confusion regarding the app, the government has released an official clarification + Q&A document. It clearly explains how the app works, which permissions are required and which are not, and how it benefits users.
Understand the news in short:
The government has said: Sanchar Sathi app is only to prevent fraud, not for surveillance. If you want, you can delete the app. The app doesn’t access anything without your permission.
Q1. If the app is pre-installed, how can it be deleted?
Government’s response:
Smartphone companies were only told that the app should appear on the phone, but now this order has been withdrawn.
This does not mean that the user cannot delete the app.
It is your choice whether to download the app or not.
The user can delete the app whenever he wants.
Installing apps is no longer the companies’ responsibility; It is the user’s choice to keep or remove them.
Question 2. Why does the app ask for so many permissions? Is this a threat to privacy?
Government’s response:
Basic permissions (for registration only)
Making and managing calls: Just to check if the SIM is active or not. No other use.
Sending SMS: One-time SMS for registration, like in UPI or banking apps. These basic permissions are required for:
How to find out how many mobile numbers are in your name
To report fraudulent international calls +91
Advanced permission (only with your permission):
Camera: To take a photo of the IMEI (if you want)
Screenshot Upload: To send a screenshot of a fraudulent call/SMS
And most importantly:
The app doesn’t access contacts, microphone, location, Bluetooth, photos, files—anything unless you give permission.
The user can remove permissions and uninstall the app at any time.
Q3. Does the app do surveillance?
Government’s response:
no way.
The app does not have access to your microphone or location.
The app doesn’t silently collect any data.
It only uses the data you allow for the actions taken at that time.
Both Android and iOS have reviewed and approved the security of the app.
Q4. Is this step legally correct? Government’s response:
Yes, these guidelines have been issued under the Telecom Cyber Security Rules 2024 and Telecommunications Act 2023.
These laws have been made to protect citizens and protect telecom networks from fraud.
Q5. Do the benefits of the app outweigh the potential privacy risks?
Government’s response:
The government says there is no privacy risk.
On the contrary, the app has delivered significant results:
Key Takeaways from Sanchar Saathi:
14.3 million fake/unauthorized mobile connections disconnected
2.6 million stolen/lost phones traced
72.3 million phones recovered
620,000 fraud-linked IMEIs blocked
Fraud-loss prevention of ₹475 crore
2,000+ fraud call/SMS reports daily
More than 14 million people have used the app. (These questions and answers have been taken directly from the PIB document, but explained in simple language.)
