Privacy concerns, Apple and Samsung’s non-compliance: Why Centre withdrew mandatory pre-installation of Sanchar Saathi

After massive backlash from privacy advocates, cybersecurity experts and the opposition, the Centre announced it would be withdrawing the mandate for the pre-installation of Sanchar Saathi. In a statement issued on Wednesday, the Ministry of Communications stated it has decided to recall its mandate due to the app’s “increasing acceptance”.

The Sanchar Saathi portal was launched by the Modi government in May 2023. With this portal, citizens will be able to check mobile connections linked to their IDs, report fraud, scams and trace lost phones.