The Bharatiya Janata Party has dismissed Opposition allegations that the government-mandated Sanchar Saathi application is a ‘snooping app,’ asserting that the measure poses no threat to citizens’ privacy and is aimed solely at strengthening digital security.

Defending the decision of the Department of Telecommunications to mandate pre-installation of the app on new mobile handsets,BJPMP Shashank Mani Tripathi said the initiative would enhance public safety and protect citizens from growing cyber threats. Speaking to ANI, Tripathi said Sanchar Saathi would help prevent data theft and external cyber intrusions, adding that every aspect of citizen protection would be digitally secured. He also stressed the need for more indigenous applications to safeguard national data.

Priyanka Gandhi termed Sanchar Saathi as a ‘Snooping App’

Congressleader Priyanka Gandhi described Sanchar Saathi as a “snooping app” and termed the DoT order “ridiculous.” She accused the government of undermining citizens’ right to privacy and alleged that India was being pushed towards dictatorship, claiming the government was unwilling to engage in dialogue on the issue during the ongoing Parliament session.

Adding to the pressure, Congress MP Renuka Chowdhury has moved an adjournment motion in the Rajya Sabha, seeking a debate on the government’s directions regarding the mandatory installation of the app.

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The BJP, however, has maintained that Sanchar Saathi is a security-focused initiative, insisting it neither surveils personal communications nor compromises privacy, but instead strengthens digital trust and citizen safety.