Scindia says snooping not possible with Sanchar Saathi app

Union Communications Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia on Wednesday dismissed the Opposition charge that the Sanchar Saathi app could be used for snooping on citizens.

Responding to queries in the Lok Sabha, he said the app has no surveillance capability and will not be activated unless a user decides to register. “Snooping is neither possible nor will it happen with the Sanchar Saathi safety app,” he said.

Advertisement

The minister stressed that the app has been designed only to protect users, not monitor them.

His remarks came in the wake of a storm raised by the Opposition after the government directed smartphone manufacturers to pre-install Sanchar Saathi on all new devices.

Scindia further clarified that simply having the app on a phone does not mean it is active. “Just because the app is there does not mean it will be activated, it’s up to us. People have the right not to use it,” he said.

He reiterated that the activation is entirely voluntary and requires user registration. “If you register it, it will remain active. If you don’t register it, it will remain inactive,” he said.

Scindia highlighted that the main purpose of Sanchar Saathi is to safeguard people from telecom fraud, fake mobile connections and phone theft.

He said the app empowers users by allowing them to check fraudulent IMEI numbers, report suspicious mobile connections and trace lost or stolen phones.

According to the minister, the app has already helped authorities disconnect millions of fake mobile connections and recover several stolen devices.