In a swift policy reversal, the Union Government has withdrawn its directive requiring all smartphone manufacturers to pre-install the Sanchar Saathi cybersecurity app on new devices, following intense criticism from digital rights groups, opposition parties and privacy advocates.

The earlier order, issued by the Department of Telecommunications on December 1, had mandated that all smartphones sold in India from March 2026 come with Sanchar Saathi pre-installed. Officials had argued that the move was intended to curb the growing threat of devices carrying fake or duplicate IMEI numbers—an issue considered a potential security risk for national telecom networks.

However, the decision sparked national debate within hours. Civil liberties groups warned that forcing a government-linked app onto every device could set a dangerous precedent for state surveillance, while opposition leaders accused the Centre of attempting to quietly expand digital monitoring under the guise of cybersecurity. Social media quickly filled with concerns over data privacy, consent, and the creation of a government-approved app ecosystem.

Facing the widespread backlash, the Ministry of Communications issued a fresh statement on December 3, announcing that the mandate had been officially withdrawn. The government defended the app’s credibility, claiming that Sanchar Saathi had already seen rapid voluntary adoption and that compulsory installation was “not required at this stage.”

According to officials, the app registered an unexpected surge in user interest—nearly 6 lakh downloads in a single day after the initial announcement—taking the total user base to 1.4 crore. Government data suggests that Sanchar Saathi users collectively report over 2,000 cyber-fraud incidents daily, making it a crucial tool in tackling mobile misuse, illegal SIM activity, and fraudulent digital behaviour.

Despite the rollback, concerns linger. Digital rights organisations argue that the government’s initial push reveals a broader need for transparent digital governance frameworks. Opposition leaders have demanded parliamentary oversight before any future technology-related mandates are introduced.

The Ministry maintains that Sanchar Saathi is “fully secure,” collects only essential information and can be uninstalled at any time by users—an assurance aimed at quelling fears of covert surveillance or data harvesting.