Sanchar Saathi Pre-Installation Mandate created strong reactions across India. Many users felt worried about privacy issues. The government first wanted strict rules for smartphones.
But feedback from citizens changed the final decision. Officials now say the app is always optional. Users can keep it or delete it anytime.
Sanchar Saathi Pre-Installation Mandate: Government Withdraws Directive
The government removed the Sanchar Saathi Pre-Installation Mandate quickly. The Ministry confirmed phone makers need no pre-installation now.
Earlier instructions asked companies to enable the app during setup. Makers also had ninety days to follow rules. They had thirty more days for reporting. These rules are now officially cancelled everywhere.
Officials said users already showed strong trust recently. The app has crossed 1.4 crore downloads nationwide. It receives around two thousand fraud reports daily. This shows strong participation from many citizens. Union Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia said usage is optional.
He said people can activate or deactivate freely. He also confirmed users can delete anytime. A report said Apple planned silent opposition earlier.
The company avoids similar rules in foreign countries. Russia once asked companies to install MAX Messenger. Apple also did not follow that direction. Now the issue ends because mandates are cancelled fully.
Why Government Changed Plan
The government explained its earlier purpose very clearly. The mandate aimed at strong cybersecurity for citizens. Officials said the app helps fight cyber threats. It supports “Jan Bhagidari” for reporting bad actors.
The app has no hidden or extra functions. It only protects users from cyber fraud daily. People can remove the app whenever needed.
Downloads increased very fast after discussions started. Six lakh people registered for the app in one day. This rise was almost ten times normal numbers. The government said this shows growing trust everywhere.
Because of increasing acceptance, the mandate became unnecessary. Officials said easy availability now helps new users. They want the app accessible without any pressure.
App Purpose and Key Work
The Sanchar Saathi app launched earlier this year. DoT calls it a citizen-friendly safety platform. It helps locate missing or stolen mobile phones. The platform recovered more than seven lakh devices already.
It also blocked more than 3.7 million stolen phones nationwide. It further disabled thirty million fraudulent connections successfully.
The app also fights duplicate or spoofed IMEI misuse. Many stolen phones enter India’s second-hand markets often. Buyers sometimes become victims without any knowledge. The app helps detect these risky devices quickly.
Telecom Minister Scindia said snooping is never possible. He said privacy remains completely safe for everyone. Users can keep the app dormant if unwanted. They can uninstall it anytime without issues.
The government’s decision to remove the Sanchar Saathi Pre-Installation Mandate brings relief. Users now control their smartphone choices fully. The app still offers strong protection from fraud.
People can install it whenever they want safety. Officials say citizens already support the platform strongly. The final decision supports privacy, awareness, and complete freedom. Smartphone makers now follow simpler rules everywhere.
