The BRICS TimesSamajwadi Party Chief and Kannauj MP Akhilesh Yadav has strongly criticized the Bharatiya Janata Party regarding the Sanchar Saathi App.
Akhilesh Yadav’s Privacy Concerns
Samajwadi Party National President Akhilesh Yadav sharply reacted to the central government’s Sanchar Saathi App instructions. The SP chief also leveled serious accusations against the Bharatiya Janata Party. Akhilesh Yadav posted his views on the social media site X. He stated that privacy could only be saved if the BJP leaves power.
The Kannauj Lok Sabha MP further commented on the ruling party’s actions. “Those whose history is one of espionage cannot stop spying,” he wrote. He claimed that freedom of expression was already curtailed under the BJP government. Now, he added, private conversations of family, friends, and businesses would be under the “vulture gaze” of BJP members and their associates. “The public has now decided they don’t want the BJP government, and they won’t have it,” he asserted. He concluded again: BJP goes, privacy stays!
Government’s Stance on the App
Meanwhile, Union Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia addressed the matter on Tuesday. He clarified that users could remove the fraud-reporting Sanchar Saathi App whenever they wish. Scindia stated that users are free to decide whether to keep or uninstall the ‘Sanchar Saathi’ app.
The Department of Telecommunications (DoT) has issued directives to mobile equipment makers and importers. They must ensure the fraud-reporting ‘Sanchar Saathi’ app is pre-installed on all new devices. It must also be provided via a software update for existing devices.
According to the DoT’s November 28 instruction, this app will be mandatory on all mobile phones manufactured or imported into India. This mandate takes effect 90 days after the order’s issuance. All mobile phone companies must submit a compliance report to the DoT within 120 days.
Scindia defended the move, saying, “If you want to remove it, remove it.” However, he added, not everyone in the country knows that this app is designed to protect them from fraud and theft. The Union Communications Minister stated that reaching everyone with this app is their responsibility. “If you want to remove it, then remove it,” he reiterated. “If you don’t want to use it, don’t register it. If you register it, it will be active. If you do not register it, it will remain off.”
