Union Minister for Communications and Development of the Northeastern Region, Shri Jyotiraditya Scindia, has clarified the Sanchar Saathi app mandate, stating that the platform is fully voluntary and democratic.
He said users have complete freedom to activate the app at their convenience to access its services, and they may deactivate or delete it from their devices at any time.
This clarification comes a day after the DoT issued directions mandating pre-installation of the Sanchar Saathi app on all mobile handsets manufactured or imported for use in India.
A Citizen-First, Privacy-Safe Platform
Scindia said consumer protection is a top responsibility of the Government and Sanchar Saathi has been built to empower every mobile user. The app and portal provide transparency and simple tools for users to secure their mobile identity. He stressed that Sanchar Saathi is not a surveillance mechanism and does not compromise privacy, describing it as a citizen-driven model under Jan Bhagidari.
Documented Impact Since Launch
The platform has recorded substantial measurable outcomes:
- 21.5 crore+ portal visits
- 1.4 crore+ app downloads
- 1.43 crore+ mobile connections disconnected by users selecting “Not My Number”
- 26 lakh lost/stolen mobile handsets traced
- 7.23 lakh traced devices returned to owners
- 40.96 lakh fraudulent connections disconnected through citizen reporting
- 6.2 lakh fraud-linked IMEIs blocked
- Rs. 475 crore in potential financial losses prevented through the Financial Fraud Risk Indicator (FRI)
Cybersecurity and User Participation
Sanchar Saathi includes fraud-reporting tools accessible directly through call logs, allowing informed users to raise alerts that can protect others. According to Scindia, the platform is intended solely to safeguard mobile consumers and strengthen India’s cybersecurity ecosystem while upholding privacy and community participation.