The Indian government has withdrawn the mandatory pre-installation order for the Sanchar Saathi app, making it optional following privacy concerns and political backlash.
Ritika Das
In a swift policy reversal, the Indian government has withdrawn its mandate requiring all smartphone manufacturers to pre-install the 'Sanchar Saathi' cybersecurity app. Union Communications Minister [Jyotiraditya Scindia] announced the rollback on December 2, clarifying that the app is "optional" and can be uninstalled by users. The decision follows intense political backlash and privacy concerns, with opposition leaders labelling the app "Pegasus 2.0" and tech giants like [Apple] reportedly resisting the move due to security protocols.
The controversy erupted after the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) issued a directive on November 28 giving smartphone makers 90 days to pre-install the app and prevent its deletion. While the government touted the app's utility in blocking stolen phones (4.2 million blocked so far) and curbing spam, critics raised alarms about potential surveillance. The sudden surge in voluntary downloads—jumping 10x to over 6 lakh in 24 hours—allowed the government to pivot, arguing that "public trust" made compulsion unnecessary.
While the headlines focus on "Privacy vs. Security," the deeper story is the "OS Sovereignty Clash." This episode reveals the government's intent to integrate state-approved software directly into the operating system layer of personal devices—a move that challenges the control Big Tech firms have over their own ecosystems. Although the mandate was withdrawn, it signals a new frontier in digital policy where the state seeks to bypass app stores and establish a direct channel to citizens' devices. The "voluntary" success of Sanchar Saathi may embolden future attempts to push "Digital Public Infrastructure" apps as default utilities, blurring the line between public service and state surveillance.
The reversal is a tactical retreat, not a defeat for the government's digital agenda. It shifts the strategy from coercion to adoption, relying on the app's utility (blocking stolen phones) to drive usage. For smartphone makers, it's a temporary reprieve from a costly compliance nightmare. However, the incident has successfully elevated "digital sovereignty" and "privacy" to mainstream political debate, ensuring that any future tech mandates will face heightened scrutiny from both the opposition and the public.
If a government app is truly for your safety, why did it need a mandate to be installed—and why did a million people download it only after the mandate was dropped?
Is the Sanchar Saathi app mandatory? No. On December 2, 2025, Union Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia clarified that the app is optional and not mandatory. The government withdrew a previous directive that required smartphone manufacturers to pre-install it.
Can I delete the Sanchar Saathi app? Yes. The minister explicitly stated that users are free to install or uninstall the app as they choose. It is not "undeletable" bloatware.
Why did the government want to make Sanchar Saathi mandatory? The government initially pushed for mandatory installation to curb telecom fraud, citing over ₹22,800 crore in losses and the app's success in blocking 4.2 million stolen devices.
Does Sanchar Saathi spy on users? The government denies this. Minister Scindia stated, "Snooping is neither possible nor will it happen." The app is designed to report fraud and track lost devices, not to monitor calls or messages, according to official statements.
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