India’s new Sanchar Sathi app (often searched as Sanchar Sathi app surveillance, Sanchar Sathi spying, and Sanchar Sathi mandatory) has recently become the center of a major political and public debate.
The app was developed by the Government of India under the Department of Telecommunications (DoT). A government directive instructed mobile manufacturers to pre-install the Sanchar Sathi app on all new smartphones sold in India. The order also stated that the Sanchar Sathi app should be clearly visible when a phone is set up for the first time, and no feature of the app should be disabled or restricted.
This triggered a nationwide controversy, with many people claiming that the Sanchar Sathi app is a surveillance tool and could be used to monitor citizens.
Government Clarification: “Sanchar Sathi Does NOT Spy on Anyone”
After massive criticism, Communications Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia issued an official clarification:
- Sanchar Sathi does not spy on anyone.
- Sanchar Sathi does not listen to calls.
- The app is completely optional, not mandatory.
- Users can delete the Sanchar Sathi app if they do not want it.
- If you do not register, the Sanchar Sathi app remains inactive/dormant.
- Only those who choose to use it will activate its features.
He also said: “This app exists to protect citizens from fraud and theft. If you want to delete it, delete it. If you don’t want to register, don’t register.”
Despite this clarification, the public debate on Sanchar Sathi surveillance and Sanchar Sathi privacy risks continues.
Official Introduction: What Does the Sanchar Sathi App Actually Do?
According to the government portal, Sanchar Sathi is a citizen-centric portal and mobile app designed to enhance user safety and prevent cyber fraud in the telecom sector.
It provides several tools to protect mobile users from scams, digital frauds, stolen mobile devices, and unauthorized SIM cards.
Key Features of the Sanchar Sathi App (Explained in Simple Terms)
1. IMEI Verification (Check if a Phone Is Fake or Genuine)
Users can enter the phone’s IMEI number to check if the device is original or cloned—an extremely useful feature due to rising fake phone scams.
2. Report Suspicious Calls and Messages
The Sanchar Sathi app allows users to report:
- Fraud calls
- Scam SMS
- Phishing attempts
- Fake bank calls
- Unknown “threat” calls
This helps telecom operators and authorities take action.
3. Report Lost or Stolen Mobile Phones
Under the CEIR system, Sanchar Sathi lets users block their stolen phone across all telecom networks. Once blocked, the phone becomes unusable.
4. Check How Many SIM Cards Are Issued in Your Name
Many users don’t realize unauthorized SIM cards are issued using their ID.
Sanchar Sathi lets you check and report such illegal connections.
5. View Verified Contact Numbers of Banks and Institutions
To reduce fraud, the app provides verified official contact numbers so users don’t fall for fake customer-care scams.
6. “Keep Yourself Aware” Security Updates
A section offering continuous updates on cybersecurity alerts, government schemes, and telecom safety tips.
All these features make the Sanchar Sathi cybersecurity app appear beneficial from a digital safety standpoint.
Then Why Are People Calling the Sanchar Sathi App a Surveillance Tool?
Even though the app claims to protect users, many people on social media raised strong privacy concerns.
Concerns include:
- The app asks for many permissions such as:
- Camera
- SMS
- Call logs
- File access
- Phone state
- The app was supposed to be pre-installed on all new phones
- It appeared that Sanchar Sathi could not be disabled or removed
- Citizens feared that the app would run in the background and potentially track activity
One user wrote:
“This is beyond limits. How can so many permissions be forced on people? This compromises privacy.”
Another user stated:
“A government app that cannot be removed is a perfect surveillance tool.”
Political Reactions: Charges of “Unconstitutional Surveillance”
Congress leader K.C. Venugopal claimed:
- The order violates the fundamental right to privacy (Article 21)
- The Sanchar Sathi app is unconstitutional
- This is a tool to “monitor every citizen”
- This is part of “continuous attacks on constitutional rights”
Shiv Sena leader Aaditya Thackeray termed the directive:
- “Dictatorial”
- “Against democratic principles”
They also circulated a copy of the DoT order under the Telecom Cyber Security Rules 2024, which mandated the pre-installation.
What Do Experts Say About Sanchar Sathi App Permissions?
Tech analysts claim:
- iPhones only show camera and file upload permissions for Sanchar Sathi
- Android devices show multiple permissions, including call logs and SMS
- The requested permissions may appear intrusive, but experts say: “These permissions are technical requirements needed for fraud reporting, not data collection.”
They also point out that the Play Store Data Safety section clearly mentions that the app does NOT collect personal information without user action.
Is the Sanchar Sathi App Safe or Not? Final Analysis
The Sanchar Sathi cybersecurity app seems useful for:
- IMEI check
- SIM verification
- Reporting scam calls
- Blocking stolen phones
- Preventing telecom fraud
Government insists it is optional
You can delete it or leave it inactive.
But…
The controversy exists because of:
- Pre-installation order
- Initial non-removable nature
- Multiple phone permissions
- Low public trust in surveillance matters
Verdict:
Sanchar Sathi is NOT a spying app according to government claims,
but public distrust + mandatory installation orders created suspicion.
The debate on Sanchar Sathi surveillance vs. Sanchar Sathi cybersecurity will continue until transparency improves.
FAQ- About Sanchar Sathi
1. Is the Sanchar Sathi app a surveillance tool?
No. According to the Indian government, the Sanchar Sathi app does not spy on users, does not listen to calls, and does not track personal data. However, its mandatory pre-installation raised privacy concerns.
2. Can the Sanchar Sathi app be deleted?
Yes. The government clarified that the Sanchar Sathi app is optional. If a user does not want it, they can uninstall or delete it.
3. Why does the Sanchar Sathi app ask for so many permissions?
The Sanchar Sathi app requires permissions like SMS, call logs, and device details to allow fraud reporting, IMEI checks, and SIM verification. Experts claim these permissions do not indicate spying.
4. Is Sanchar Sathi mandatory on all new smartphones?
Initially, a DoT order required the app to be pre-installed on all new devices. Later, the Communications Minister clarified that usage is optional, not mandatory.
5. What features does the Sanchar Sathi app offer?
It offers IMEI verification, SIM count checking, fraud call reporting, lost phone blocking, and verified bank contact information.
6. Is the Sanchar Sathi app safe to use?
Yes. The app claims to follow the Telecom Cyber Security Rules 2024 and states that it only becomes active when the user registers.
7. Does Sanchar Sathi collect personal data?
The Google Play Store Data Safety section states that the app does not collect personal data without user action.
