The Department of Telecommunications’ directive that every smartphone come pre-installed with the app follows a familiar pattern of ‘optional’ tools that turn mandatory in practice.
On Monday, the government disclosed a directive issued by the Department of Telecommunications on 28 November, instructing smartphone manufacturers and importers to preload its Sanchar Saathi app on every new device. It’s a decision that has drawn criticism from various quarters and set off a number of concerns.
This app was originally launched in January this year as a voluntary fraud-reporting and device-verification tool, but the new mandate will require it to be installed on all new phones before users even switch them on. While the stated aim is to curb cyber fraud and crimes involving devices whose International Mobile …
Bhuvana Sri graduated from TISS with an MA in Media and Cultural Studies. She also has a master's in English Literature. She has had stints in publishing houses, museums and arts & culture organisations in Chennai and Bengaluru.
Writer
bhuvana@mailtmc.com
Mumbai