Pre-Installed Security App Sanchar Saathi 'Optional, Can Be Deleted': Union Telecom Minister
New Delhi: Amid debate regarding the Centre’s move to mandatorily pre-install security app Sanchar Saathi in all smart phones sold in the country, Union Telecom Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia on Tuesday stated that users are free to delete the application.
Users are not required to keep the app on their devices, the minister clarified amid the row over the move that arguably violates individual privacy.
The minister said the people can delete the app if they do not want Sanchar Saathi. “It is optional… It is our duty to introduce this app to everyone. Keeping it in their devices or not is up to the user,” he said, adding that the government was only ensuring wider access to a tool designed to curb cyber fraud.
The Department of Telecommunications (DoT) recently issued direction to all mobile handset manufacturers and importers to pre-install the state-owned cybersecurity app on devices meant for use in India effective from November 28. The government gave the companies 90 days to implement the mandate and 120 days to file compliance reports.
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Opposition has called the move dictatorial, with Congress MP Priyanka Gandhi pointing out that the move violates individual privacy. However, addressing the concerns, the minister said that the app enables snooping, and does not enable surveillance or call monitoring.
