The BRICS TimesDoT Withdraws Order on Pre-Installing Cyber Safety App
The government on Wednesday revoked an order. This order made the Sanchar Saathi app mandatory for all smartphones. The reason cited was the app’s growing acceptance.
Background and Initial Mandate
The Department of Telecommunications (DoT) had issued a directive. This order was dated November 28. It required mobile manufacturers to pre-install the Sanchar Saathi app. This applied to new smartphones. It also covered existing devices via a software update.
The Rollback and High Acceptance
The government has now rolled back this requirement. They noted the app’s “increasing acceptance.” Over 1.4 crore users have already downloaded it. Voluntary app downloads also jumped ten-fold in one day.
“The number of users has been increasing rapidly,” the DoT stated. The installation mandate was meant to speed up this process. It would make the app easily available to less aware citizens.
Minister Rejects ‘Snooping App’ Allegations
Union communications minister Jyotiraditya Scindia rejected all “snooping app” claims. He categorically stated such use of the application was “not possible.”
“The Government with an intent to provide access to cyber security to all citizens had mandated pre-installation of Sanchar Saathi app on all smartphones,” a statement clarified. “The app is secure and purely meant to help citizens from bad actors in the cyber world.”
User Freedom and Success Metrics
The statement also confirmed user protection. It confirmed users could remove the app anytime they wished.
“So far 1.4 crore users have downloaded this app and are contributing to information on 2000 fraud incidents per day…” the statement added. “Just in last one day, 6 lakh citizens have registered for downloading the App which is a 10x increase in its uptake. This is affirmation of faith by citizens on this App for protecting themselves provided to them by the Government.”
Clarification on Removal
The recent announcement follows widespread criticism. Digital rights activists and politicians had raised concerns. Earlier reports suggested the directive banned app removal. However, Minister Scindia later clarified. Keeping the Sanchar Saathi app was “not mandatory.” Users were free to delete the app if they did not want it.
