Jyotiraditya Scindia Defends Sanchar Saathi Amid ‘Snooping’ Row

Union Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia Addresses Privacy Concerns
The Sanchar Saathi app, which has recently come under scrutiny for allegedly invading users’ privacy, remains optional, clarified Union Communications Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia. Speaking to journalists in Parliament, Scindia emphasized that the app, designed to combat cyber fraud and verify mobile number authenticity, is not compulsory. “Delete it now if you do not want it. It is entirely in the hands of the user,” he stated, dismissing accusations of government surveillance as baseless.

DoT Directive Sparks Opposition Backlash
The controversy escalated following a Department of Telecommunications (DoT) order mandating all new smartphones sold in India to be pre-installed with the Sanchar Saathi app within 90 days. Opposition leaders criticized the move, with Congress MP Priyanka Gandhi Vadra labeling it a “snooping application” that infringes on citizens’ privacy. Other leaders, including Congress MP Karti Chidambaram, compared the initiative to authoritarian surveillance measures, claiming it allows tracking of individual data.

Government Defends App as Anti-Fraud Tool
In response, Scindia refuted these claims, asserting that the app is aimed at preventing digital fraud, which cost India ₹22,800 crore in 2024 alone. Highlighting its achievements, he cited 20 crore portal downloads, 1.5 crore app downloads, and the deactivation of 2.25 crore suspicious mobile connections. Additionally, the app has aided in the recovery of 7.5 lakh stolen devices. Scindia accused the opposition of politicizing a citizen-centric initiative, stating, “Our responsibility is to safeguard citizens, not spy on them.”

User Autonomy Reiterated
Despite the government’s strong defense, Scindia stressed that users retain full control over the app. “The application can be made inactive and removed like any other app,” he said, underscoring its optional nature.

Debate Continues
The Sanchar Saathi debate remains intense, with the government pushing ahead with its cybersecurity agenda while opposition leaders continue to demand its reversal, citing privacy and civil liberties concerns. The conversation highlights the ongoing tension between digital security initiatives and personal privacy in India.