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

Amidst the ongoing controversy surrounding the Sanchar Saathi app, Union Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia has made a significant statement. He clarified that the Sanchar Saathi app is not mandatory for any user. It is completely optional, and if a user does not want to use it, they can delete the app from their phone.
Minister Scindia stated that this app is designed solely to protect citizens and prevent potential fraud related to their SIM cards/phones. It is not intended to collect personal information or compromise their privacy.
This clarification makes it clear that…

Downloading the Sanchar Saathi app is the user's choice.

Keeping it on the phone or removing it is also the user's sole decision.
The government has not issued any directive making it mandatory.

The Indian government recently directed smartphone manufacturers to pre-install the Sanchar Saathi app on all new mobile phones and make it non-removable. This order was issued by the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) on Monday. Under this, every new handset must have this app pre-installed, while existing devices will be made available through a software update. Manufacturers were given three months to comply with this directive.

What is the Sanchar Saathi app?
The Sanchar Saathi app is a government cybersecurity app that allows users to report spam calls, fraudulent messages, and stolen mobile phones. It was launched in January 2025 and had been downloaded over 5 million times by August.

According to a government release issued in September, over 37.28 lakh lost or stolen mobile phones were blocked through this platform, while 22.76 lakh devices were traced.

A look at the app's features...
Tracing and blocking stolen phones using IMEI number: Every mobile phone has a 15-digit IMEI number, which makes it possible to identify and track the device.

Help in police investigations: Information about stolen or suspected phones can be useful to the police.
Reporting fake or suspicious calls and messages: Users can report spam calls, SMS, or WhatsApp messages through the app.
Helps stop counterfeit phones: The app contributes to stopping the spread of counterfeit mobile phones.

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