FAQs | DoT doubles down on Sanchar Saathi pre-install mandate, calls move ‘constitutionally sound’

The Department of Telecommunications (DoT) is standing firm on its directive to pre-install the Sanchar Saathi app on all new smartphones, dismissing privacy concerns and calling the move “legally and constitutionally sound.” Amid criticism over potential surveillance and user autonomy, DoT insists the app is optional, can be uninstalled, and is designed with strict safeguards. Positioned as a citizen-centric tool, Sanchar Saathi aims to curb mobile fraud, block stolen handsets, and prevent financial scams—already delivering measurable…