Lagatar24 Desk
New Delhi: The central government has categorically denied accusations that the Sanchar Saathi app enables surveillance of citizens, stating in Parliament that it neither collects private data nor permits snooping. Communications Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia told the Lok Sabha the app can be deleted or left inactive if users do not wish to use it, despite being pre-installed on new smartphones.
Scindia Defends App In Parliament Amid Opposition Outrage
Responding to concerns triggered by mandatory pre-installation, Scindia stressed that Sanchar Saathi does not auto-run and requires manual registration to operate. He maintained that the initiative is aimed at public safety and digital protection, not monitoring private lives. Opposition MPs – including Deepender Singh Hooda – warned that pre-loaded applications may continue to collect information even after deletion, terming it a threat to privacy.
Opposition Sees “Pegasus 2.0”, Calls Move Authoritarian
Several opposition leaders linked the controversy to the 2021 Pegasus surveillance scandal, accusing the government of using cybersecurity as a cover for political surveillance. Priyanka Gandhi Vadra called the move “an attack on privacy” and alleged that India was being turned into a dictatorship. Karti Chidambaram claimed the app could be activated secretly to access personal photos and videos, while Shiv Sena MP Priyanka Chaturvedi described it as “another Big Boss-style surveillance moment.”
Government Explains Purpose Of Sanchar Saathi Platform
Developed by the Department of Telecommunications, the Sanchar Saathi platform is designed to help users secure devices and manage digital identities, report suspicious numbers, block lost phones, and learn about cyber safety. The government insists the app is meant for public benefit and poses no privacy threat, and says modifications to the pre-installation order will be considered based on feedback.
