Sanchar Saathi Privacy Concerns: What You Need to Know in December 2025
Mandatory Pre-Install + Cannot Uninstall – Is Your Phone Now a Government Tracker?
As of December 2, 2025, the Sanchar Saathi portal and app launched by India’s Department of Telecommunications (DoT) in 2023 has become a lightning rod for privacy debates. Originally designed as a “citizen-centric” tool to combat telecom fraud, track lost/stolen phones via IMEI, and report suspicious communications, the app now faces massive backlash over a new government mandate requiring its mandatory pre-installation on all new smartphones sold in India. This order, issued on November 28 and effective within 90 days, prohibits users from uninstalling or disabling it sparking fears of surveillance, data overreach, and violations of constitutional rights.
While the government frames it as essential for cybersecurity amid rising IMEI spoofing and fraud (affecting over 1.2 billion telecom users), critics including lawyers, opposition leaders, and tech advocates argue it erodes user consent and enables unchecked state monitoring. Below is the complete breakdown, plus practical steps you can take right now.
1. Forced Pre-Installation and Zero User Control
The DoT’s directive under the Telecommunications Cyber Security Rules, 2024, forces Apple, Samsung, Xiaomi, Google, and every other brand to preload the app on all new devices and push it via updates to existing stock. Crucially, “functionalities cannot be disabled or restricted” meaning no uninstall option. This is the first such mandate in India and has already been compared to Russia’s controversial MAX Messenger app of 2025.
2. Deep Access to Your Device and Personal Data
The app demands:
- IMEI numbers
- SIM details
- Real-time location (for lost-phone tracking)
- Camera & storage access (for verification selfies)
- Telecom activity logs
On Android (95.5% of India’s 735 million smartphones), these permissions will be auto-granted. On iOS, Apple is reportedly pushing back hard.
3. Political and Surveillance Backlash
- Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi Vadra called it a “snooping app” violating Article 21.
- Shiv Sena MP Priyanka Chaturvedi labelled it a “Big Brother moment”.
- Telecom Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia claimed users can “delete it” but the official order explicitly bans deletion, exposing the contradiction.
Sanchar Saathi vs. Similar Global Apps
| Aspect | Sanchar Saathi (India) | MAX Messenger (Russia) | Find My Device (Google) |
| Mandatory? | Yes (non-removable) | Yes (since Sep 2025) | Optional |
| Data Access | IMEI, SIM, location, camera | Location, contacts, messages | Location + device ID |
| Privacy Safeguards | Claims DPDP compliance, no audit | State-controlled | GDPR-compliant, full controls |
| Main Criticism | Surveillance fears | Wartime overreach | Battery drain (but revocable) |
| User Base Impact | 1.2 billion telecom users | 146 million citizens | 2B+ Android users (opt-in) |
Bottom Line: Security vs. Surveillance?
Sanchar Saathi has already blocked over 1 million fraudulent IMEIs real anti-fraud value. But the non-optional, non-removable mandate tips the scale toward overreach, especially without independent audits or opt-outs.
How to Protect Your Privacy Right Now (Step-by-Step)
How To Delay or Avoid the Mandatory Sanchar Saathi App
- Buy your next phone before February 28, 2025 (90-day deadline).
- Consider importing devices from outside India (customs often strip region-specific pre-installs).
- If you already have a new device, do NOT accept the OTA update that pushes the app.
How To Restrict Sanchar Saathi Permissions (Android – Advanced)
- Enable Developer Options → USB debugging.
- Connect phone to PC and install ADB (free tool).
- Run these commands:
adb shell pm disable-user --user 0 gov.dot.sancharsaathi
- adb shell pm revoke gov.dot.sancharsaathi android.permission.ACCESS_FINE_LOCATION
- This disables the app and blocks location access (works on most Android 13+ devices).
How To Use Lost-Phone Features Without Sanchar Saathi
- iPhone → Use Apple’s Find My (already built-in, end-to-end encrypted).
- Android → Enable Google Find My Device in Settings → Security.
- Block stolen phone → Directly visit https://www.ceir.gov.in (no app required).
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Can I really not uninstall Sanchar Saathi after the mandate?
A: No. The November 28 order explicitly states “functionalities cannot be disabled or restricted”. Even the Minister’s public claim that you can delete it contradicts the official document.
Q: Does the app spy on my calls or messages?
A: Officially, no it only reads IMEI, SIM info, and location when you use CEIR/TAFCOP features. However, because it runs with system privileges and cannot be revoked, independent security researchers have not been allowed to audit the code.
Q: Is my data safe under DPDP Act 2023?
A: The DoT claims compliance, but there is no public third-party audit, no clear data-retention timeline, and no way for users to delete their data once collected.
Q: Will Apple actually pre-install it on iPhones?
A: Apple has reportedly told DoT it violates App Store policies. Legal battles are expected; rollout may be delayed or blocked on iOS.
Q: What should I do if I’m worried?
A: Buy before Feb 2025, use ADB to disable (Android), or switch to iPhone and wait for court outcomes. Also support petitions by Internet Freedom Foundation (IFF) challenging the order.
Stay safe, stay informed and think twice before upgrading your phone this quarter.
Sources: Reuters, The Guardian, Times of India, Outlook India, BBC, DoT portal (as of Dec 2, 2025).
