Sanchar Saathi app is not mandatory for mobile users across India, including Tamil Nadu, following massive backlash from opposition parties. The Department of Telecommunications (DoT) directive on November 28, 2025, required smartphone makers to pre-install the app on new devices within 90 days, sparking fears of government surveillance. Union Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia clarified on December 1 that activation remains voluntary, users can delete it, and no snooping occurs.

This development unfolded in New Delhi amid rising cyber fraud cases, with Tamil Nadu seeing thousands affected by online scams last year. Opposition leaders like Priyanka Gandhi labeled it a “snooping app,” while the Centre emphasized consumer protection. For TN readers, this means no forced tracking on your phones from Chennai to Coimbatore.

What is Sanchar Saathi Portal and App?

Sanchar Saathi, launched by DoT in January 2025, aims to combat telecom fraud in India’s billion-plus subscriber base. The app and portal help verify device IMEI, block stolen phones, check connections linked to your name, and report spam or malicious links. Over 1.4 crore downloads already, available in Tamil and other languages.

In 2024, cybercrimes jumped to 20 lakh cases nationwide, per CERT-In data. Tamil Nadu reported high digital arrest scams, prompting calls for better tools. The app supports TRAI rules on unwanted calls, making it useful for small businesses in Madurai or IT firms in Chennai.

Read more on the official Sanchar Saathi portal or DoT website. For TN updates, check our cyber fraud prevention guide.

Sanchar Saathi Sparks Massive Political Firestorm

Opposition erupted calling the pre-install mandate dystopian. Congress MP Priyanka Gandhi said, “Sanchar Saathi is a snooping app. Forcing it is ridiculous and violates privacy rights to message family without government eyes.” KC Venugopal termed it unconstitutional under Article 21.

Shiv Sena (UBT)’s Priyanka Chaturvedi vowed protests, while Renuka Chowdhury linked it to past Pegasus spyware fears. Even Congress MP Shashi Tharoor called for voluntary use only. The row stalled Parliament discussions on December 1.

Centre’s Firm Clarification: Voluntary and Deletable

Minister Scindia responded, “2024 saw crores in online frauds. Opposition demands action, yet calls our anti-fraud app snooping. Pre-install is for awareness; use is optional. Delete if unwanted—no monitoring.” He stressed customer welfare and spreading awareness.

DoT reiterated the app needs user consent, collects minimal data per DPDP Act 2023, and shares none commercially. Achievements: 3 crore fake connections cut, 3 lakh devices blocked. Compliance reports due in 120 days from makers like Samsung, Apple.

Sanchar Saathi: Tamil Nadu Local Impact and Concerns

In Tamil Nadu, with 8 crore mobile users, cyber frauds hit 50,000 cases last year, per state police. Chennai traders report phishing daily; Coimbatore factories face SIM swap scams. DMK leaders echoed national opposition, demanding privacy safeguards.

Local experts say voluntary app aids MSMEs using WhatsApp Business, but fear data misuse. TN cyber cell urges verification features. No state-specific mandate; aligns with national policy. TN Cyber Crime Portal complements it.

Sanchar Saathi: Key Facts at a Glance

Over 16 lakh WhatsApp accounts disabled nationwide—vital for TN’s 5 crore users.

What Do You Think About Sanchar Saathi?

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