Government Clarifies Sanchar Saathi App is Optional Amidst Opposition's Privacy Objections

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The centre’s order to compulsorily pre-install the Sanchaar Saathi, a cybersecurity app, on all the new devices is facing strong resistance from the opposition. The government previously provided manufacturers with a 90-day window to include this app in their devices. 

However, the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) has recently addressed the privacy concerns raised by opposition leaders, claiming that users can delete the app if they don’t need it.

DoT Mandate and the App's Purpose

The directive under the Telecommunication Cybersecurity Amendment Rules stated that the objective of the cybersecurity app is to minimize threats and prevent IMEI misuse. The Sanchar Saathi initiative is citizen-centric, designed to empower mobile subscribers.

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The app also helps users check the genuineness of their device with the help of the IMEI number. Additionally, it assists in reporting fraud communications and blocking lost or stolen mobile handsets.

The DoT aims to address the threat posed by duplicate or spoofed IMEI numbers, which lead to cyber fraud and make it difficult to track devices. The app is seen as a way to safeguard citizens from buying non-genuine handsets, which is why the manufacturers were initially asked to ensure the app's functionalities were not disabled or restricted.

Opposition's Privacy Concerns and Government's Clarification

The DoT's directive for smartphone makers to pre-install the cybersecurity app has sparked privacy concerns and criticism from several political leaders. 

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Congress General Secretary KC Venugopal condemned the move. He asserted, "A pre-loaded government app that cannot be uninstalled is a dystopian tool to monitor every Indian." The Congress leader further added, "Big Brother cannot watch us," and deemed the direction "beyond unconstitutional."

On the other hand, Congress MP Priyanka Gandhi Vadra echoed these concerns, terming it a "snooping app." She argued that citizens have the right to privacy for communications with family and friends.

Amidst the outcry, Union Minister for Communications Jyotiraditya Scindia provided a clarification. Scindia stated that the app is "completely optional" for users. He said, "If you want to delete the app, you can, it is not mandatory." He also clarified that the app "does not enable snooping or call monitoring." The Minister explained that the government's duty is to simply introduce this app to everyone for their safety.

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