US Edition‘If You Don’t Want…' Jyotiraditya Scindia Says Sanchar Saathi App Is Optional Amid Strong Opposition Protests
Telecom Minister Scindia confirmed the Sanchar Saathi app remains optional and removable despite the DoT's directive to preload it, citing over 20 crore portal and 1.5 crore app downloads.
- On Monday, the Department of Telecommunications ordered Apple, Samsung, Google, Vivo, Oppo, and Xiaomi to preload the non-removable Sanchar Saathi app on all new smartphones in India.
- Launched this year, the Sanchar Saathi app crossed 50 lakh downloads as the Department of Telecommunications said it aims to protect consumers from counterfeit devices and simplify reporting.
- Official data shows substantial recoveries and disconnections, with Sanchar Saathi portal over 20 crore downloads, 1.5 crore app downloads, and nearly 1.75 crore fraudulent connections disconnected.
- Congress figures argued the order undermines privacy and cited Congress general secretary Priyanka Gandhi Vadra calling it a `snooping app` and Randeep Surjewala warning of a `surveillance state`; they invoked the right to privacy under Article 21 of the Constitution.
- Currently the Sanchar Saathi app is optional on Apple and Google stores, and uses IMEI-linked verification to locate stolen phones, block them, and assist investigations.
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20 Articles
Telecom Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia has dispelled misconceptions surrounding the Sanchar Saathi app. He clarified that the app is not mandatory and users can delete it from their mobile phones. The government has described it as a necessary step to curb duplicate and fake IMEI numbers, but public privacy and freedom of use must be respected.
Sanchar Saathi cybersecurity app is optional, users may delete if they want: Jyotiraditya Scindia
Consumers will be free to delete the Sanchar Saathi app preloaded on new smartphones, Union Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia clarified, after the DoT directed manufacturers to install the cybersecurity tool on all devices.
Amid 'snooping' allegations, Govt clarifies: 'Sanchar Saathi App optional, can be uninstalled'
Earlier, in a press release issued on Monday, the Centre said that in order to safeguard citizens from buying non-genuine handsets, enable easy reporting of suspected misuse of telecom resources and to increase effectiveness of the Sanchar Saathi initiative, the DoT is mandating manufacturers and importers of mobile handsets that are intended for use in India to ensure that the Sanchar Saathi mobile application is pre-installed on all mobile han…
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