Amid rising controversy over the Centre’s directive to include the Sanchar Saathi cyber-security app on new smartphones, Union Telecom Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia has stepped forward to clear the air. Dismissing claims that the app is compulsory, the minister stressed that users have complete freedom to delete or ignore the app based on their preference.
Scindia explained that Sanchar Saathi was introduced purely as a consumer-protection tool designed to safeguard citizens from digital fraud. “If you don’t want the app, you can remove it. If you don’t want to register, simply don’t. It will remain inactive,” minister said. Drawing parallels with pre-installed apps like Google Maps, the minister reminded that while some apps can only be disabled on Android, users still retain the choice to stop using them — and Sanchar Saathi is no different.
Minister. “Many users don’t even know that an app exists to protect them from scams. Our job is to inform — not to enforce,” Scindia said, putting an end to the confusion over the app’s mandatory status.
