BJP Defends Sanchar Saathi App as Privacy Row Grows, Says It Cannot Read Messages or Calls

New Delhi, December 2, 2025 A political storm erupted on Tuesday after the Opposition accused the Centre of using the Sanchar Saathi app as a tool for snooping, prompting the BJP to issue a strong clarification. The debate began when the government directed smartphone manufacturers to preinstall the state-developed cybersecurity app on all devices. This move triggered concerns from the Congress, which claimed that the app was designed to monitor citizens’ private communications. Responding to these allegations, BJP national spokesperson Sambit Patra addressed the issue at a press conference in Delhi. He stated that the app had no capability to read messages, listen to calls, or access personal data. According to him, Sanchar Saathi exists solely to protect mobile users from fraud and help track lost or stolen phones. Patra argued that the app was meant to strengthen digital security and not compromise privacy, adding that the government had no intention of monitoring citizens. Despite this, Congress leaders continued to criticise the move. Outside Parliament, Priyanka Gandhi Vadra described the app as a “snooping tool” and insisted that privacy is a fundamental right that should not be undermined. Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge went further, accusing the government of acting unilaterally by making the app mandatory without consulting the public. He claimed this signalled a dangerous shift towards authoritarianism and warned that the government’s approach was eroding democratic values. Kharge also linked the controversy to past accusations of state surveillance, noting earlier claims involving spyware and weakened transparency laws. He said the introduction of this app fit a broader pattern of attempts to tighten control over citizens’ digital lives. In response, Patra emphasised that the app’s “S stands for security, not strangulation,” arguing that its purpose was to empower users and prevent misuse of mobile devices. According to him, fears of surveillance were unfounded and politically motivated. Telecom Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia later clarified that downloading or activating the app remains optional. He explained that while smartphone makers were asked to preinstall Sanchar Saathi, users were free to ignore, deactivate, or delete it. Scindia said the government’s aim was to ensure that every citizen has access to reliable tools that can block stolen phones, track device misuse, and report suspected fraud. Sanchar Saathi allows users to check how many mobile connections are registered under their name, block stolen devices using IMEI numbers, and report suspicious activity through features like Chakshu. When a blocked device is used, the system generates alerts that help authorities trace it. The controversy continues as both sides stand firm. The Opposition maintains that the move raises questions about consent and privacy, while the BJP argues that the app enhances digital safety. As the debate widens, many citizens are waiting for clearer answers on how their data is protected and why the app is being pushed so strongly. BJP Defends Sanchar Saathi App as Privacy Row Grows, Says It Cannot Read Messages or Calls A political debate has erupted after Congress accused the government of using the Sanchar Saathi app to snoop on citizens. The Centre had asked smartphone companies to preinstall the cybersecurity app, which can track lost or stolen phones and report suspected fraud. Congress leaders said the app violated privacy and called it a tool for surveillance. Responding to these claims, BJP spokesperson Sambit Patra clarified that Sanchar Saathi cannot read messages, listen to calls, or access personal data. He said the app’s sole purpose is to protect mobile users from theft and fraud. “The ‘S’ in Sanchar Saathi stands for security, not surveillance,” he stated, emphasizing that the app aims to make devices safer for everyone. Telecom Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia added that using the app is optional. Users can choose not to register, keep it dormant, or delete it entirely. The app also allows users to check mobile connections in their name, block stolen phones via IMEI numbers, and report fraud through its Chakshu feature. Despite these assurances, Congress remains critical, claiming the preinstallation without public consultation undermines citizens’ rights. The debate highlights the balance between digital security and privacy, leaving many to watch closely as the controversy unfolds.