ThePrint ThePrintUninterrupted: Is Sanchar Saathi app the solution to cyber crime? Apar Gupta explains privacy concerns
Dec 4, 2025
Apar Gupta, Founder-Director of the Internet Freedom Foundation and expert in digital rights, joins to discuss the controversial Sanchar Saathi app. They explore its features like IMEI checks and fraud reporting, while also addressing major privacy concerns. Gupta emphasizes the risks of mandatory installs, including potential state overreach and data misuse. He advocates for less intrusive cyber safety measures and stresses the importance of public consultation before implementing such mandates. A thought-provoking dialogue on balancing safety and privacy!
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
Sanchar Saathi’s Stated Purpose
- Sanchar Saathi bundles IMEI checks, lost-phone reporting and fraud reporting into a single government cybersecurity tool.
- Apar Gupta warns its installation as a mandatory government app expands state power into personal devices.
Mandatory Preloading Raises Red Flags
- The leaked directive required manufacturers and OSes to preload Sanchar Saathi on all new smartphones.
- Gupta says forcing a government app on devices without clear law greatly increases state surveillance risk.
Fails The Puttaswamy Proportionality Test
- The Puttaswamy three‑part privacy test requires legality, necessity and proportionality for state intrusions.
- Gupta argues Sanchar Saathi fails proportionality and lacks clear statutory grounding under telecom rules.