Answer

Introduction

The Sanchar Saathi app, launched by the Department of Telecommunications, empowers citizens to detect fraudulent SIM cards and report stolen devices. While enhancing telecom security, its mandatory installation raised concerns over privacy, user consent, and possible surveillance risks.

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How India can balance digital security needs with robust privacy safeguards

• Explicit consent: App usage must remain voluntary, with opt-in features ensuring citizens retain autonomy over digital participation.
• Data minimisation: Only essential fraud-related metadata should be collected, avoiding unnecessary personal information that could be misused.
• Legal safeguards: Strict alignment with the Digital Personal Data Protection Act ensures lawful processing and accountability in telecom data handling. 
• Independent oversight: Dedicated regulators should audit app operations, handle grievances, and prevent unchecked state or corporate misuse of data. 
• Transparency norms: Government must publish periodic reports on fraud detection, data usage, and corrective actions to build public trust.
• Industry collaboration: Coordination with smartphone makers ensures technical feasibility, balancing OS integrity with user trust and compliance. 

Associated Challenges

• Surveillance fears: Mandatory installation risks being perceived as state monitoring, undermining trust in digital governance initiatives.
• Weak trust: Citizens remain skeptical of government-backed apps due to past controversies around data misuse and surveillance debates. 
• Legal ambiguity: Constitutional privacy protections remain unsettled, creating uncertainty about enforcement and judicial interpretation of safeguards.
• Industry resistance: Tech giants oppose directives citing OS security risks, compliance burdens, and potential harm to innovation ecosystems.
• Economic costs: Pre-installation requirements increase compliance expenses for manufacturers, potentially raising device costs for consumers. 
• User exclusion: Low digital literacy among citizens may hinder informed consent, limiting equitable participation in fraud detection.
  Eg: Reports on Jan Bhagidari adoption gaps.

Conclusion

India’s digital journey must integrate accountability with privacy. Transparent governance, strong legal frameworks, and participatory policymaking can ensure telecom security without eroding trust, harmonizing national security imperatives with constitutional liberties and fostering a resilient, rights-respecting digital ecosystem.

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