Sanchar Saathi app is not mandatory, you can delete it whenever you want: Government’s response to the controversy

Amidst the ongoing controversy regarding Sanchar Saathi app, Union Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia has given a big statement. He has clarified that Sanchar Sathi app is not mandatory for any user. This is completely optional, and if a user does not want to use it, they can delete the app from their phone.

Minister Scindia said that this app has been created only for the safety of citizens and to prevent possible fraud related to their SIM card/phone. Its purpose is not to take personal information of people or affect their privacy.

It is clear from this clarification that…

• Downloading Sanchar Sathi app is the choice of the user.
• Keeping or removing it from the phone is entirely the decision of the user.
• The government has not issued any instructions to make it mandatory.

The Government of India had recently directed smartphone manufacturers to pre-install the Sanchar Saathi app in all new mobiles and make it non-removable. This order was issued by the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) on Monday. Under this, this app should be pre-installed in every new handset, while on already existing devices it will be made available through software update. The manufacturing companies were given three months time to follow this instruction.

What is Sanchar Saathi App?
Sanchar Sathi app is a government cyber security app that allows users to report spam calls, fake messages and stolen mobiles. It was launched in January 2025 and by August it had been downloaded more than 50 lakh times.

According to a government release in September, more than 37.28 lakh lost or stolen mobiles were blocked through this platform, while 22.76 lakh devices were traced.

Take a look at the features of the app…

1. Tracking and blocking of stolen phones by IMEI number: Every mobile has a 15 digit IMEI number, which makes identification and tracking of the device possible.
2. Help in police investigation: Information about stolen or suspicious phones can be useful to the police.
3. Reporting fraudulent or suspicious calls and messages: Users can report spam calls, SMS or WhatsApp messages through the app.
4. Help in stopping counterfeit phones: The app contributes to stopping the spread of counterfeit mobile phones.