The central government has revoked its earlier directive that required mobile manufacturers to pre-install the Sanchar Saathi app on new devices. In a statement, the Ministry of Communications announced that it will not make the pre-installation of the app mandatory for all manufacturers due to its growing acceptance.
India revoked its order on Sanchar Saathi app installation
“Given Sanchar Saathi’s increasing acceptance, the government has decided not to make the pre-installation mandatory for mobile production,” the ministry stated.
This decision follows backlash from the opposition in Parliament, which raised concerns about snooping because of the app’s permissions list. This list includes access to messages and phone calls.
What is this app? What can it do?
The government launched the Sanchar Saathi portal in 2023, which served as the precursor to the app by the same name that debuted in January this year. The app is designed to empower citizens to protect their digital identity. It allows users to block lost devices, report fraud, verify mobile connections registered in their name, and check the authenticity of their devices.
Read also: SC Asks ECI to Extend SIR Form Deadline “Just And Fair”