Sanchar Saathi app blatant attack on citizens' privacy: Surjewala

While the government has scrapped an order making it mandatory for smartphone makers to preload a cyber-safety app, Sanchar Saathi, concerns were raised in the Rajya Sabha.

Congress MP Randeep Singh Surjewala on Wednesday flagged concerns related to the Sanchar Saathi mobile application in the Rajya Sabha, saying it is a blatant attack on fundamental right of citizens’ privacy.

The MP said that this is a clear breach of privacy of every smartphone/cell phone user, where the app would be compulsorily installed or pushed through a software update.

“A clear apprehension is that the features of the app would permit pointing out real-time geo-locations of the user, monitoring of the search history and transactions conducted through the cellphone/smartphone and a possible monitoring of conversations/SMSs, WhatsApp messages, besides collection of sensitive data from the phone without consent of the owner,” he said.

Surjewala said that the apprehension was that the app could have a backdoor, thereby absolutely compromising the data and privacy of the user, as also access to all information, including passwords, bank account numbers or other personal information stored on the phone.

“If the app contains even a minor flaw, it can lead to privilege escalation, giving hackers full device control. Its forced system integration also means patches depend on OEM firmware updates, leaving millions of devices exposed for months. Centralising IMEI and location data further creates a single point of failure, making it a high-value target for foreign or criminal cyberattacks,” he said.