Sanchar Saathi app serious threat to right of privacy: Congress MP Surjewala
New Delhi: Congress MP Randeep Singh Surjewala raised concerns in the Rajya Sabha over Sanchar Saathi mobile application, warning that it poses a serious threat to the right of privacy of every individual.
According to Kashmir Media Service, speaking on the issue, Surjewala said the app could potentially track users’ real-time geo-location, monitor search history, financial transactions and even conversations through SMS and WhatsApp.
He added, “Ministry of Communication has purportedly issued an order whereby all cellphone manufacturers and importers of cellphones are compulsorily obliged to upload Sanchar Saathi app. It is also directed that this app has to be pushed into every cell phone and smartphone,” Surjewala said.
Surjewala said pre-installation of Sanchar Saathi app is a clear breach of privacy of every smartphone and cell phone users of India.
“Would this not completely negate the right of privacy of every individual? And a possible kill switch will turn every cellphone into a brick. If the government then wants, then every cellphone of every journalist, every opposition leader, every dissident, it will become a pure simple brick by use of a kill switch,” said the Rajya Sabha member from Rajasthan.
Surjewala demanded that the government clarify the legal basis for mandating a non-removable app, the details of compulsory software updates, and the independent security audits, safeguards, and mechanisms in place to prevent misuse.
