Controversy over 'Sanchar Sathi' app... Opposition uproar, government clarification, and Apple's denial
Sanchar Sathi has been in the news all day today. The Department of Telecommunications issued a notification regarding this app. According to the notification, all phone manufacturers will be required to pre-install the Sanchar Sathi app on their phones. This app must be present on the phone during device setup.
The opposition protested, accusing the government of spying on the public. Apple is preparing to refute the government's claim.
For older phones, companies will have to release an OTA update to make the app accessible to the public. This government app provides a number of citizen services. However, the opposition has become aggressive towards the government over this app.
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Opposition's allegation on government
The opposition has accused the government of attempting to spy on people through this app. Congress MP Karti Chidambaram called it "Pegasus Plus Plus." He wrote on the social media platform X, "Big Brother will take over our mobile phones and our private lives."
Both the opposition and the general public are discussing on social media whether this app could endanger their privacy. This all stems from the permissions granted to the app. The app requests numerous permissions, which people are questioning.
What is the government's position?
As the controversy escalated, Union Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia clarified. He stated that the Sanchar Sathi app is completely optional and can be activated or deactivated like any other app. He added that if someone no longer wishes to use it, they can remove it.
He said, "You can activate or deactivate it at will... If you don't want to keep it, you can delete it. It's optional." He dismissed the concerns about privacy and security as a misunderstanding.
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Scindia stated that the Sanchar Saathi app cannot spy on the device or monitor calls. It was designed to improve consumer safety. He also stated that 40.96 lakh fake mobile connections reported by citizens have been disconnected through this app. More than 1.43 crore mobile connections have been disconnected using its Not My Number feature.
What details does this app ask for?
If you install this app and simply register, it gains access to your phone and SMS apps. If you upload photos, it asks for gallery access. It also asks for camera permission to scan the IMEI code. Overall, it asks for permission to access your phone, call logs, SMS, storage, and camera.
Is this a cause for concern?
Many apps ask for these permissions. These are necessary for the apps to function. However, granting permissions to an app is like walking a tightrope. These permissions can be used against you. This is what people are concerned about. However, the government has clarified that this app is not mandatory and you can delete it at any time.
Apple denies government support - reports
State Communications Minister Chandrashekhar Pemmasani stated that discussions have been held with all mobile phone manufacturers except Apple regarding the Sanchar Saathi app. He explained that the Sanchar Saathi app is like any other app, which consumers can activate or delete.
Summary
According to a PTI report, an active group was formed on this issue and all OEMs were asked for their concerns. Apple is the only company that did not participate.
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