Mandating Sanchar Saathi App for Cybercrime Prevention Raises Privacy and Proportionality Concerns
The Department of Telecommunications (DoT) has issued directives requiring smartphone manufacturers to pre-install the Sanchar Saathi app by March 2026 to combat cybercrime and counterfeit handsets. While the government, represented by Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia, claims the app is for consumer protection and can be deleted, critics argue it represents 'overkill.' The directive mandates high-level system access for the app, raising fears of state surveillance. Legal experts point out that under the K.S. Puttaswamy (2017) judgment, any state intrusion into privacy must meet the tests of legality, necessity, and proportionality, suggesting less invasive methods like web portals already exist.
Key Points
- The DoT directive mandates 'SIM binding' and pre-installation of the Sanchar Saathi app on all new devices sold from March 2026.
- The app is intended to verify device authenticity and tackle crimes like 'digital arrests' and spoofed IMEI numbers.
- Critics argue the app's deep system integration could lead to unauthorized surveillance and violates the proportionality standard established by the Supreme Court.
- The government clarifies that the app is not for snooping and users have the choice to delete or not register it if they choose.
Exam Facts
- K.S. Puttaswamy (2017) judgment established privacy as a fundamental right.
- The directive requires pre-installation of the Sanchar Saathi app by March 2026.
- Cybercrime losses in India reached ₹22,800 crore in the year 2024.
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