Scindia Rejects Snooping Claims on Sanchar Saathi App as Govt Issues Fresh Clarification in Parliament
Union Communications Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia on Wednesday strongly dismissed allegations that the government-backed Sanchar Saathi app could be used for surveillance on citizens. Responding during Question Hour in the Lok Sabha, the minister clarified that the app has no snooping capabilities and will remain inactive unless a user chooses to register.
The remarks come amid a growing political debate over privacy concerns after the government recently directed smartphone manufacturers to pre-install the app on all new devices.
Minister Asserts App Cannot Be Used for Surveillance
Addressing the Lok Sabha, Scindia stated unequivocally:
“Snooping is neither possible nor will it happen with the Sanchar Saathi safety app.”
He repeated the assurance in Hindi for emphasis:
“Sanchar Saathi app se na snooping sambhav hai, na snooping hoga.”
Scindia explained that the app was built solely to protect users from telecom fraud, not to monitor their activities.
Activation Voluntary, Says Government
Clarifying how the app functions, Scindia said its presence on a device does not automatically activate it.
“Just because the app is there does not mean it will be activated. It’s up to us. People have the right not to use it.”
He reiterated that the app becomes functional only when a user registers:
“If you register it, it will remain active. If you don’t register it, it will remain inactive.”
The minister’s remarks were aimed at countering widespread criticism following last week’s order requiring phone manufacturers to ship all new smartphones with Sanchar Saathi pre-installed.
Opposition Flags Privacy Concerns
The directive has led to objections from several political leaders, digital rights advocates, and civil society organisations who argue that the app’s extensive permissions could allow intrusion into personal data.
Congress MP Randeep Surjewala has submitted a notice in the Rajya Sabha seeking a detailed discussion on the potential privacy implications.
Opposition parties have questioned whether pre-installation could create opportunities for indirect surveillance — even if the app remains inactive.
Government Says App Aims to Fight Fraud and Mobile Theft
Scindia underlined that the Sanchar Saathi app is a tool designed to empower citizens against rising telecom-related crimes.
According to the minister, the app enables users to:
- Check fraudulent or duplicate IMEI numbers
- Identify suspicious mobile connections
- Report phone thefts
- Trace lost or stolen devices
Scindia said that through the app, authorities have already been able to disconnect millions of fake mobile connections and recover several stolen phones nationwide.
Push for Public Participation in Cybersecurity
Rejecting allegations of surveillance, the minister said the app represents an effort toward strengthening digital safety through cooperation with citizens.
“This is a step towards public participation. In this, people should not object; people should welcome it,” he told the House.
The government maintains that Sanchar Saathi will play a crucial role in improving telecom cybersecurity and reducing identity fraud linked to mobile connections.
Conclusion
With the controversy intensifying, the government has reinforced that Sanchar Saathi remains a voluntary tool designed for user safety. However, questions from the opposition and digital rights groups suggest the debate over privacy, permissions and pre-installation requirements is unlikely to fade soon.
Final Thoughts from Chronicle
The government’s clarification on Sanchar Saathi highlights an ongoing tension between digital security and personal privacy in India’s fast-expanding telecom ecosystem. While the app’s intended purpose is user protection, the debate underscores the need for transparency, clear communication and robust safeguards to build public trust. As discussions continue in Parliament and beyond, the response from policymakers and industry stakeholders will shape how India balances cybersecurity with individual rights.
