Sanchar Saathi App Concerns

Why in news:

DoT issues directions for pre-installation of Sanchar Saathi App in mobile handsets to verify the genuineness of mobile handsets.

UPSC Relevance:

Govt. Schemes and Polity & Governance

Sanchar Saathi App:

In order to safeguard the citizens from buying the non-genuine handsets, enabling easy reporting of suspected misuse of telecom resources and to increase effectiveness of the Sanchar Saathi initiative, the DoT has issued Directions dated 28.11.2025. 

Sanchar Saathi Initiative Purpose:

• The Department of Telecommunications (DoT) is undertaking Sanchar Saathi initiative for curbing misuse of telecom resources for cyber frauds and ensuring telecom cyber security. 
• DoT has developed Sanchar Saathi portal & App which enables citizens to check genuineness of a mobile handset through the IMEI number along with other facilities like reporting suspected fraud communications, lost/ stolen mobile handsets, check mobile connections in their name, trusted contact details of banks/ financial institutions.
• The app is intended to verify the authenticity of IMEIs used in mobile devices to safeguard citizens from purchasing non-genuine handsets.
• It allows easy reporting of suspected misuse of telecom resources, enhancing the initiative’s effectiveness.
• The app’s dashboard reports 2.48 lakh complaints and 2.9 crore requests to check mobile connections associated with users.

Key Features of the Sanchaar Saathi App:

• Report fraudulent calls and messages
• Block suspicious mobile numbers
• Check mobile connections issued in your name
• Trace and block lost or stolen mobile phones
• Verify mobile handset authenticity (IMEI verification)
• Detect SIM cards obtained using fake documents
• Request disconnection of unused numbers

Note:- Right to Privacy(Justice K.S. Puttaswamy vs Union of India (2017))recognised as a Fundamental Right.

Core Concerns:

• Surveillance & Privacy Risks
  • App allows tracking, verification and reporting of users’ telecom data
  • Raises fear of:
    • Mass surveillance
    • Profiling of individuals
    • State over-reach
  • Citizens fear function creep (data used beyond original intent)
• Data Protection Vacuum:
  • Data breaches
  • Unauthorized access
  • Commercial misuse of sensitive personal data
• Transparency & Accountability Deficit:
  • Data retention period
  • Who can access the data
  • Whether data is shared with law-enforcement automatically
  • No clear judicial or parliamentary oversight mechanism
• Consent & Digital Literacy Issues:
  • Poor citizens and first-time smartphone users are more vulnerable

GOI Stand:

• It strengthens India’s telecom security ecosystem
• Government claims:
  • The app is voluntary
  • Designed only for consumer protection
  • Data is used strictly for fraud prevention