Mandatory ‘Sanchar Saathi’ App Sparks Debate Over Privacy, Trust, and Digital Security in India

The Indian government’s Department of Telecommunications (DoT) issued a directive on November 28, 2025, requiring all smartphone makers to pre-install the Sanchar Saathi app on every new device. However, it was launched in January 2025. The app is meant to help regular users stay safer by letting them verify if a phone’s IMEI is genuine, report lost or stolen devices, check all mobile numbers issued in their name, and flag scam calls or messages. The idea is to make security tools available to everyone without expecting them to download anything themselves.

Some people online are backing the government’s choices, while others are worried. The concern is that making everyone install a government app on their phones could invade privacy and take away people’s freedom to choose, especially if the app can’t be deleted later.

A user added on X (formerly known as Twitter), “So citizens are ready to trust foreign private companies but worried about their own government. That’s a really bad trust issue the govt has.” Replying to this, a user added, “Google or Apple can’t arrest you, but Indian police can, and that too, for random reasons. Misuse of data by the Indian government will have far-reaching and immediate consequences on the citizens”.

Another user added that most government apps have extremely poor security and are prone to data leaks. These apps being made mandatory will be a huge data handover to foreign agents.