The Indian government’s mandate for pre-installing the Sanchar Saathi app on all mobile devices has ignited a political firestorm. While the Department of Telecommunications cites curbing IMEI misuse and strengthening cybersecurity, opposition parties decry it as a ‘snooping app’ and an unconstitutional privacy breach, fearing government surveillance. NEW DELHI: The central government’s dictum to makers regarding pre-installation of the Sanchar Saathi application on all mobile handsets manufactured or imported in India has sparked a massive political row over concerns of privacy breach.While the department of telecommunications (DoT) justified the measure as a move for “curbing IMEI misuse”, the opposition has raised red flags calling it a “snooping app” and terming the move “unconstitutional”. Some even compared it with Pegasus spyware.The International Mobile Equipment Identity (IMEI) is a unique number used to identify mobile phones. Most phones have one IMEI, but dual-SIM phones have two.What is Sanchar Saathi App?Sanchar Saathi App is a “citizen centric initiative of DoT to empower mobile subscribers, strengthen their security and increase awareness about citizen centric initiatives.”It offers services like reporting fraud calls or messages, checking phone genuineness through IMEI, finding and blocking lost phones, seeing all mobile numbers in your name, and reporting suspicious international calls. It requires permissions for call/SMS logs, sending SMS for registration, accessing photos/files, and using the camera for IMEI scanning.The controversy erupted after DoT directed all mobile manufacturers and importers to pre-install the Sanchar Saathi app on devices sold in India, calling it a move towards “strengthening cybersecurity and curbing IMEI misuse.”‘Big Brother cannot watch us’: Opposition hits outCalling it a “dystopian” move, Congress general secretary KC Venugopal questioned the constitutionality of the move saying, “A pre-loaded government app that cannot be uninstalled is a dystopian tool to monitor every Indian. It is a means to watch over every movement, interaction and decision of each citizen.””Big Brother cannot watch us. This DoT Direction is beyond unconstitutional. The Right to Privacy is an intrinsic part of the fundamental right to life and liberty, enshrined in Article 21 of the Constitution,” he said.Echoing similar sentiments, Congress MP Priyanka Gandhi slammed the Centre for “turning this country into a dictatorship”. She termed it a “snooping app” and said that it was an “excuse to go into every citizen’s telephone”. “It is a snooping app. It’s ridiculous. Citizens have the right to privacy. Everyone must have the right to privacy to send messages to family, friends, without the government looking at everything… They are turning this country into a dictatorship in every form,” she said.”There’s a very fine line between reporting fraud and seeing what every citizen of India is doing on their phone. That’s not how it should work. There should be an effective system to report fraud. We’ve discussed this at great length on cybersecurity. There’s a need for cybersecurity, but that doesn’t mean that it gives you an excuse to go into every citizen’s telephone. I don’t think any citizen would be happy,” she added. “They brought in Pegasus and have been unable to keep it under control. MPs and MLAs all say that their phones are being tapped. For the last 11 years, basic rights of the Indians have been taken away… This is the real violation of National Security,” Congress MP Renuka Chowdhury said.About the AuthorTOI News DeskThe TOI News Desk comprises a dedicated and tireless team of journalists who operate around the clock to deliver the most current and comprehensive news and updates to the readers of The Times of India worldwide. With an unwavering commitment to excellence in journalism, our team is at the forefront of gathering, verifying, and presenting breaking news, in-depth analysis, and insightful reports on a wide range of topics. The TOI News Desk is your trusted source for staying informed and connected to the ever-evolving global landscape, ensuring that our readers are equipped with the latest developments that matter most.”Read MoreEnd of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideos’India Values Thailand As Important Maritime Neighbour’: Jaishankar In Bilateral Talks With Thai FMIndia Stands Strong with $18B Russia Energy Investment, Ex-Envoy Malhotra ConfirmsWatch: MPs Speak Out as SIR Row Dominates Winter Session OpeningIndia’s Elections Earn Global Praise, CEC Calls It A ‘Moment Of Pride’ Amid Vote Row ClaimsHaryana Bodybuilder Killed After Standing Up To Harassers; Family Says Attack Was Planned MurderModi Trolls Opposition Over Bihar Setback Days Before Parliament ShowdownWoman Marries Boyfriend’s Corpse After Family Kills Him, Alleges Police Provoked BrotherMajor Twist In BrahMos Espionage Case As Higher Court Acquits Scientist Of Passing Defence SecretsRamaphosa Praises PM Modi’s Endorsement of South Africa Hosting G20 Summit, Counters Trump’s Claims‘Is There Any Law?’ Renuka Chaudhary Sparks Row After Bringing Stray Dog to Parliament123Photostories9 reasons to make your child eat almonds every morningWe have never seen a diamond ring like Samantha Ruth Prabhu’s: All about Raj Nidimoru’s beautiful wife’s ultra-rare engagement ringYour Good Luck Charm For 2026 According To Your Date of BirthBaby names for girls born on Tuesday9 Hanuman Mantras According To Your Date of BirthSunny Deol, Jaya Bachchan to Kalki Koechlin: Bollywood actors who stepped behind the camera as scriptwritersDiabetes management: Doctor shares top 5 lifestyle strategies to lower HbA1c levelsFrom Sunda Pangolins to Sunda tiger: 5 of the most endangered animals in the world5 statement watches for women that will complete your traditional wedding lookKamal Haasan performances that redefined Indian cinema forever123Hot PicksParliament Winter SessionCyclone DitwahWorld NewsGold rate todaySilver rate todayPublic Holidays NovemberBank Holidays NovemberTop TrendingCardi BShedeur SandersDrake MayePat McAfeeCandace Owens Net WorthGisele BndchenConnor McDavidLian BichselLane Kiffin DaughterAnthony Davis
NEW DELHI: The central government’s dictum to makers regarding pre-installation of the Sanchar Saathi application on all mobile handsets manufactured or imported in India has sparked a massive political row over concerns of privacy breach.While the department of telecommunications (DoT) justified the measure as a move for “curbing IMEI misuse”, the opposition has raised red flags calling it a “snooping app” and terming the move “unconstitutional”. Some even compared it with Pegasus spyware.The International Mobile Equipment Identity (IMEI) is a unique number used to identify mobile phones. Most phones have one IMEI, but dual-SIM phones have two.
What is Sanchar Saathi App ?
Sanchar Saathi App is a “citizen centric initiative of DoT to empower mobile subscribers, strengthen their security and increase awareness about citizen centric initiatives.”It offers services like reporting fraud calls or messages, checking phone genuineness through IMEI, finding and blocking lost phones, seeing all mobile numbers in your name, and reporting suspicious international calls. It requires permissions for call/SMS logs, sending SMS for registration, accessing photos/files, and using the camera for IMEI scanning.The controversy erupted after DoT directed all mobile manufacturers and importers to pre-install the Sanchar Saathi app on devices sold in India, calling it a move towards “strengthening cybersecurity and curbing IMEI misuse.”
‘Big Brother cannot watch us’: Opposition hits out
Calling it a “dystopian” move, Congress general secretary KC Venugopal questioned the constitutionality of the move saying, “A pre-loaded government app that cannot be uninstalled is a dystopian tool to monitor every Indian. It is a means to watch over every movement, interaction and decision of each citizen.”“Big Brother cannot watch us. This DoT Direction is beyond unconstitutional. The Right to Privacy is an intrinsic part of the fundamental right to life and liberty, enshrined in Article 21 of the Constitution,” he said.Echoing similar sentiments, Congress MP Priyanka Gandhi slammed the Centre for “turning this country into a dictatorship”. She termed it a “snooping app” and said that it was an “excuse to go into every citizen’s telephone”. “It is a snooping app. It’s ridiculous. Citizens have the right to privacy. Everyone must have the right to privacy to send messages to family, friends, without the government looking at everything… They are turning this country into a dictatorship in every form,” she said.“There’s a very fine line between reporting fraud and seeing what every citizen of India is doing on their phone. That’s not how it should work. There should be an effective system to report fraud. We’ve discussed this at great length on cybersecurity. There’s a need for cybersecurity, but that doesn’t mean that it gives you an excuse to go into every citizen’s telephone. I don’t think any citizen would be happy,” she added. “They brought in Pegasus and have been unable to keep it under control. MPs and MLAs all say that their phones are being tapped. For the last 11 years, basic rights of the Indians have been taken away… This is the real violation of National Security,” Congress MP Renuka Chowdhury said.
