The government has rolled back its mandate requiring all mobile phones in India to come with the Sanchar Saathi app pre-installed, making the app optional again.

The original directive had created concerns that mandatory installation could compromise user autonomy and potentially raise privacy issues. Critics argued that pre-installing a government-linked app without user consent could set an uncomfortable precedent.

Following backlash from smartphone manufacturers, digital rights groups, and the public, the DoT reviewed the order and decided to withdraw the mandate. The government also highlighted that voluntary downloads of Sanchar Saathi have already been increasing, proving that users will adopt the app when given choice.

The Sanchar Saathi platform continues to offer services such as blocking lost phones, identifying fake devices, and avoiding scam calls — but it will now remain user-contr

olled.