Is Sanchar Saathi meant for spying on citizens or for protecting Indian mobile users?
Sanchar Saathi is primarily intended for protecting Indian mobile users rather than spying on them. It is a government-owned cybersecurity app and portal managed by the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) that enables users to track and block lost or stolen smartphones, detect fraudulent mobile connections, and report scam calls and messages. The app uses the unique IMEI number of phones to verify device identity, block stolen devices, and prevent counterfeits. It also allows users to check mobile connections in their name to avoid SIM fraud and financial scams. By connecting to the Central Equipment Identity Register (CEIR) database, it helps in disabling stolen phones across networks and assisting law enforcement in recovering devices.
The Indian government has mandated the pre-installation of this app on all new smartphones sold in India, and it is being pushed to existing devices via software updates. While the app requires extensive permissions such as access to call logs and messages to perform its functions, its main aim is to strengthen user security and combat cybercrime, SIM fraud, and telecom misuse. Privacy concerns exist about the inability to uninstall the app, but there is no credible indication that it is meant for citizen spying. Instead, it serves as a digital tool for consumer protection against telecom-related frauds and phone theft.
Sanchar Saathi is designed as a protective measure to empower Indian mobile users, increase telecom security awareness, and reduce fraud and theft, not as a spying instrument on citizens.
