Sanchar Saathi Mandate Withdrawn After Download Surge

• Sanchar Saathi mandate dropped after rise in voluntary downloads
• DoT decision follows surge in app uptake and earlier concerns

A Delhi–Hyderabad dispatch on Wednesday confirmed that the government has withdrawn its order that required smartphone manufacturers to pre-install the Sanchar Saathi cybersecurity app on all devices. The decision came after the Department of Telecom reported a sharp rise in voluntary downloads. Officials said that users downloaded the app in large numbers soon after the earlier mandate. Therefore, the authorities reviewed the need for compulsory installation and decided to drop the rule.

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The DoT said the number of downloads grew quickly within a day. It explained that the mandate was introduced to speed up access to the app, especially for citizens who may not know about it. However, it also noted that user interest increased on its own. The department said, “Just in the last one day, 6 lakh citizens have registered for downloading the app, which is a 10x increase in its uptake.” It added that the earlier requirement aimed to make the tool easier to access for all.

Meanwhile, the DoT stressed that the growing acceptance of Sanchar Saathi made the mandate unnecessary. It said, “Given Sanchar Saathi’s increasing acceptance, the Government has decided not to make the pre-installation mandatory for mobile manufacturers.” This clarification followed public discussions on the usefulness of the app and its role in improving mobile security. Officials said the app helps users track devices, block stolen phones, and stay alert against fraud. They also said that continued voluntary adoption will support the government’s wider digital safety goals.

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The November 28 directive had asked smartphone makers to pre-install the app on new phones and push it through updates on older models. However, the order sparked political criticism. Opposition leaders argued that the app could enable snooping. They said it might listen to calls or monitor messages. These concerns created debate over privacy and data protection. Later, the government reviewed the public response, the surge in downloads, and the wider reaction before announcing the withdrawal.

The decision to drop the compulsory rule marks an important shift in how the Sanchar Saathi app will reach users. For now, the government said it will continue to encourage voluntary use. Further updates may emerge as the app continues to gain traction among mobile users.

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