The Indian government just made a big move. The Department of Telecommunications (DoT) ordered phone makers. They must put the Sanchar Saathi app on all new phones. This applies to every smartphone sold in India. This news broke today, June 25, 2024.
Congress quickly spoke out. They called the move “dystopian surveillance.” They warned about privacy issues. This app will come pre-installed. You will not choose to download it.
The DoT wants to help you. They say the app makes phones safer. It helps if your phone gets lost. It can also stop phone scams. But many worry about your privacy.
This new rule is very strict. Phone companies have three months to change. After this time, all new phones will include Sanchar Saathi. This is not an option. It is a must-have app.
DoT’s New Order: Safety or Surveillance?
The DoT says this new app is for your good. It helps tackle phone fraud. Many people lose their phones. This app can block stolen devices. It makes them useless to thieves. You can learn more about its features on the official Sanchar Saathi portal.
The Sanchar Saathi app does many things. It lets you check connections. You can see phone numbers linked to your name. It can also block calls from unknown numbers. This feature aims to reduce spam.
You can report spam messages. You can also disconnect old, unused numbers. This protects your identity. It makes sure no one misuses your old number. The government says this links phone numbers to user IDs. This improves overall safety.
The DoT believes this step is key. It fights against cyber crime. It makes digital life safer for everyone. They say it helps stop illegal phone use. This is a big push for digital security.
But the move raises questions. Is this too much control? Do you want a mandatory app on your phone? This is the main point of debate right now.
Congress Warns of ‘Dystopian Surveillance’
The Congress party is not happy. They quickly condemned the DoT’s order. They called it “unconstitutional.” They see it as a threat to your personal freedom.
They warn of “dystopian surveillance.” This means a society where the government watches everyone. They say the app could track people. This could happen without your permission.
Congress leaders are very worried. They fear the government could use this app. It might monitor political opposition. It could watch protestors. This is a major concern.
They compared the app to an “electronic ankle bracelet.” This device tracks people under house arrest. This strong comparison shows their deep concern. They believe it invades your personal space.
This app could turn India into a “surveillance state.” This is what Congress warns. They say it could erode your right to privacy. Privacy is a basic right for all citizens.
They ask about data protection. Who will control your information? How will it be used? Will your data be safe from misuse? These are important questions today.
The Congress party questions the timing. Why now? They want clear answers. They want to know the true purpose of this mandatory app. You can find more details about government policies on the Department of Telecommunications website.
This is a hot topic. It puts safety against privacy. The government says it protects you. Congress says it watches you. What do you think? It’s a choice between two big ideas. This debate will continue in the coming days.