The BRICS TimesSanchar Saathi App: Jyotiraditya Scindia stated that activating the app is optional for users. If you do not want to use it, activation is not required. The minister confirmed it is not compulsory.
Minister Dispels Monitoring Fears
Union Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia has clarified the ongoing controversy surrounding the Sanchar Saathi app. He clearly stated that the app will not be used for spying on anyone. Furthermore, there will be absolutely no call monitoring done through this application. Scindia mentioned, “If you want to use the app, then activate it.” He added, “If you do not want it, there is no need to activate it.” He confirmed, “This is not mandatory.” The minister further stated, “You can also delete it from your phone if you wish.” The government’s responsibility is to make this app accessible to citizens. Its main purpose is to protect people from online fraud and cyber crime.
Priyanka Gandhi Alleges Spying
Earlier, Congress General Secretary Priyanka Gandhi Vadra made serious accusations. She reacted to the Telecom Department’s directive about the pre-installation of the Sanchar Saathi app on new handsets. On Tuesday, she alleged it was a “spying app.” She further claimed the government is attempting to transform the country into a dictatorship. The Telecom Department had instructed mobile manufacturers and importers. The order was to ensure the fraud-reporting app Sanchar Saathi is present in all new mobile devices.
Country is Being Changed to a Dictatorship – Priyanka Gandhi
Priyanka Gandhi spoke to the media within the Parliament premises. She said, “Sanchar Saathi is a spying app, and clearly this is ridiculous.” She stressed, “Citizens have the right to privacy.” She continued, “Everyone should have this right to privacy.” This right allows them to message family and friends without government surveillance. She asserted, “This is not just about peeping on telephones.” She claimed, “They (the government) are changing this country into a dictatorship in every way.” She noted, “Parliament is not functioning.” She claimed this is because the government refuses to discuss any topic. “It is very easy to accuse the opposition,” she said. “But they are not allowing any discussion, and this is not democracy.” She argued that a healthy democracy requires discussion. Governments must listen to everyone’s different views.
Government Does Not Need to Enter Everyone’s Phone – Congress MP
Priyanka Gandhi, a Lok Sabha member, pointed out the subtle difference. She said, “There is a very fine line between reporting fraud and watching what every citizen of India is doing on their phone.” She suggested, “There should be an effective system to report fraud.” She recalled, “We have discussed this in great detail regarding cyber security.” She agreed, “Cyber security is necessary.” However, she cautioned, “But this does not give you an excuse to enter the phone of every citizen.” She concluded, “I don’t think any citizen will be happy.”
