Center Backtracks! Sanchar Saathi App No Longer Mandatory on Phones

Sanchar Saathi App: In a significant relief for mobile users and smartphone manufacturers, the Central Government has withdrawn its directive mandating the pre-installation of the ‘Sanchar Saathi’ app on smartphones. Just on Monday, the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) had issued an order stating that all new phones must have this app pre-installed starting from March 2026. However, following widespread public outcry and concerns over privacy infringement, the Modi government has reversed this decision within just two days.

On Wednesday, December 3, 2025, the Ministry of Communications clarified that it is no longer mandatory to pre-install this cyber security app on new smartphones. This U-turn by the government is expected to alleviate fears regarding data privacy and surveillance among the general public.

Why Did the Government Reverse the Decision?

According to government sources, two main factors influenced the withdrawal of this directive. Firstly, opposition parties and digital rights organizations strongly criticized the move. They alleged that this could allow the government to conduct surveillance on citizens and that it infringed upon the user’s right to choose.

Secondly, and as per the official press release, the acceptance of the app among the general public has seen an unprecedented surge in recent days. Statistics show that following the news of the mandate, approximately 6 lakh new users downloaded the app in a single day.

Government Statement:
“Given Sanchar Saathi’s increasing acceptance, Government has decided not to make the pre-installation mandatory for mobile manufacturers.”

Current Statistics of Sanchar Saathi App

According to data provided by the Central Government, this app is highly effective in curbing cyber fraud and reporting suspicious calls. Below are some key details regarding the app:

What Was in the Original Directive?

On December 1, the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) had stated that telecom security was being compromised due to phones with duplicate or spoofed IMEI numbers. To combat this issue, it was mandated that the ‘Sanchar Saathi’ app be pre-installed on all new handsets starting March 2026. However, facing intense criticism, the government was compelled to backtrack on its stance.

Nevertheless, the government has reassured the public that the app is completely secure and its sole purpose is to protect citizens from bad actors in the cyber world. Users retain the freedom to uninstall or delete the app from their phones at any time.