Sanchar Saathi App: Is This App Mandatory? Snippet Of Sanchar Saathi Row; Here's How To Use On Android, iOS

The newly launched cyber-safety application by the Indian government, Sanchar Saathi, has received immense backlash from the opposition. This new mobile app is being labelled as a 'snooping' app. However, on December 2nd, the BJP government clarified that Sanchar Saathi is not meant to snoop but to ensure that citizens' mobile devices are secure. Also, India's Communications Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia has clapped back at the allegations and said, the app is not mandatory to download or use.

Sanchar Saathi App Row:

In the late hours of December 1st, the Indian department of telecommunications issued guidelines for pre-installation of Sanchar Saathi App in mobile handsets to verify the genuineness of mobile handsets. It mandated the manufacturer and importers of mobile handsets to pre-install Sanchar Saathi app.

However, right after the directions, a new spark of debate and host of allegations by opposition escalated.

What Does The Opposition Say?

Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge took to his X handle and said, "Sanchar Saathi app is yet another addition to the long list of attempts by the BJP to strangulate the voice of the people."

He accused the government by adding, "Modi Govt's unilateral directions to preload this app without taking into confidence various stakeholders and citizens is akin to dictatorship. Why does the Govt want to know what citizens talk with their family and friends?"

Furthermore, Kharge went on to allege that Sanchar Saathi is not the first attempt of BJP-led government to snooping, surveilling, scanning and peeping to confiscate, control, command and monetise citizen's rights.

However, the Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led government has debunked oppositions allegations with a new set of clarifications.

Is Sanchar Saathi App Mandatory?

Union Minister for Communications, Jyotiraditya Scindia clarified that the app is voluntary and citizens have the choice to whether they want to avail Sanchar Saathi's benefits or not.

Explaining the reason behind the app, Scindia said, "Digital security of every citizen of the country is our topmost priority. The objective of the 'Sanchar Saathi' app is to enable each individual to protect their privacy and stay safe from online fraud."

Then, he clarified, saying, "This is a completely voluntary and democratic system-users may choose to activate the app and avail its benefits, or if they do not wish to, they can easily delete it from their phone at any time."

Scindia also highlighted the usage of Sanchar Saathi. Data given by him states that about more than 20 crore people have used the portal so far. Also, over 1.5 crore users are connected to the app.

He further explained that upon citizens selecting 'Not My Number,' over 1.43 crore mobile connections have been disconnected. Additionally, 26 lakh mobile phones have been traced, of which 7.23 lakh phones have been successfully returned to citizens.

Stating that Sanchar is a significant step towards protection and transparency, Scindia said, 40.96 lakh fraudulent mobile connections reported by citizens have been disconnected. Also, 6.2 lakh fraud-linked IMEIs have been blocked.

Moreover, BJP national spokesperson Sambit Patra also retorted at the opposition by speaking at a press conference. He said, Sanchar Saathi is only meant to combat fraud and offer greater security for average mobile phone. The app is not meant to snoop in citizens personal information. He clarified, the app cannot read your messages, cannot listen to your calls ---- either you receive or make one.

Watch the full clarification here:

What Is Sanchar Saathi App?

Sanchar Saathi is an initiative to tackle misuse of telecom resources for cyber frauds and ensuring telecom cyber security. The Telecom department built the app to enable citizens to check genuineness of a mobile handset through the IMEI number along with other facilities like reporting suspected fraud communications, lost/ stolen mobile handsets, check mobile connections in their name, trusted contact details of banks/ financial institutions.

Also, the current TCS rules allows the central government for issuing directions to manufacturers of telecommunication equipment bearing International Mobile Equipment Identity (IMEI) number to provide assistance as required in relation to tampered telecommunication equipment or IMEI number.

The rules also asks these manufacturers and importers to abide by the compliances and guidance issued by the government.

Why Use Sanchar Saathi App?

As per the government, mobile handsets bearing duplicate or spoofed IMEI poses serious endangerment to telecom cyber security. Spoofed/ Tampered IMEIs in telecom network leads to situation where same IMEI is working in different devices at different places simultaneously and pose challenges in action against such IMEIs. India has big second-hand mobile device market.

There have been cases where stolen or blacklisted devices are being re-sold. It makes the purchaser abettor in crime and causes financial loss to them. Hence, the blocked/blacklisted IMEIs can be checked using Sanchar Saathi App.

How To Use Sanchar Saathi App?

The app can be downloaded on both Android and iOS devices. Here are the links:

For Android: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.dot.app.sancharsaathi

For iOS: https://apps.apple.com/app/sanchar-saathi/id6739700695

To use the app, you will be required to register first.

The first step is to enter your full name and then verify your mobile number in your device by sending SMS to the Department of Telecommunications on 14422.

Once registered, you will be able to access services like:

- Report Suspected Fraud
- Block Your Lost/Stolen Mobile Handset
- Know Mobile Connection In Your Name
- Know Genuineness For Mobile Handset
- Report Income International Call With Indian Number