The Union government’s directive mandating pre-installation of the Sanchar Saathi fraud-reporting app on all new mobile phones has triggered a political debate, with senior Congress MP Shashi Tharoor stating that such apps can be “useful only if voluntary.” The order, issued by the Department of Telecom (DoT), requires manufacturers and importers to ensure the app is present on every new handset within 90 days. The move has drawn strong criticism from the Opposition, which alleges that the directive raises concerns about surveillance and privacy violations.
Tharoor Flags Privacy Concerns, Says Mandatory Apps “Troubling” in Democracy
Reacting to the Centre’s decision, Shashi Tharoor emphasised that public safety tools must be optional in a democratic setup. Speaking to reporters in the Parliament complex during the Winter Session, Shashi Tharoor said, “Common sense tells me these apps can be useful provided they are voluntary. Everyone who needs them should be able to download them.”
Shashi Tharoor, however, cautioned against compulsory implementation, calling it “troubling” and inconsistent with democratic values. He said the government must explain the rationale behind the directive instead of “issuing orders through media reports.” He added that a meaningful discussion is needed so that people understand the reason behind such policy decisions.
The Department of Telecom recently issued instructions to mobile handset companies, directing them to pre-install the Sanchar Saathi app—developed to help users report fraudulent calls, track lost phones, and prevent misuse of mobile connections. The Centre has countered Opposition claims by asserting that the app enhances user protection and does not compromise privacy.
Shashi Tharoor insisted that transparency is essential. “The government should explain everything to the public. We need a discussion where the government reports the idea behind the decision,” he said.
Government Clarifies App Is Optional; Opposition Calls It a ‘Snooping Tool’
Addressing concerns of surveillance raised by the Opposition, Union Minister for Communications Jyotiraditya Scindia clarified that the app does not have to remain on the device. “If you don’t want Sanchar Saathi, you can delete it. It is optional,” Scindia told ANI. He added that the government’s responsibility is only to introduce the safety tool to citizens, and it is up to users whether they wish to keep it.
Despite the clarification, the Congress has intensified its criticism. The party alleged that mandating the app’s presence on devices reflects a “dictatorial mindset” and violates the constitutional right to privacy. Congress general secretary Priyanka Gandhi Vadra labelled Sanchar Saathi a “snooping app” and demanded that the directive be withdrawn immediately.
Speaking to reporters, she said citizens must have the freedom to communicate without fear of surveillance. “Everyone must have the right to privacy to send messages to family and friends without the government looking at everything,” she said. Priyanka Gandhi argued that the government’s insistence on pushing such applications signals an erosion of democratic norms.
She further accused the ruling government of avoiding accountability in Parliament. “They’re turning this country into a dictatorship in every form. Parliament isn’t functioning because the government is refusing to discuss anything,” she said. According to her, meaningful democratic processes require open discussion and acknowledgement of differing viewpoints, something she claims the government is not allowing.
Priyanka Gandhi reiterated that a healthy democracy thrives on dialogue. She added that blaming the Opposition for disruptions is unreasonable when the government itself is unwilling to hold discussions on issues affecting citizens.
As the debate continues, the government maintains that the Sanchar Saathi initiative is designed to curb cyber fraud, protect consumers, and strengthen digital safety. The Opposition, however, remains unconvinced and is expected to raise the matter further as the Winter Session progresses.
