Sanchar Saathi mandate sparks privacy alarm as policy watchers question its legality & overreach

The debate around the government’s directive to pre-install the Sanchar Saathi app on all new smartphones hinges on a constitutional concern that several experts say is more serious than the technical or operational questions it has triggered. Supreme Court Senior Advocate NS Nappinai argues that the order violates a citizen’s right to autonomy over personal devices by allowing the state to place its digital footprint on private property without explicit consent.

Nappinai warns that even before examining ambiguity or technical safeguards, the…