Special Report: Govt Mandates Sanchar Saathi App on All Phones; Experts Warn of Surveillance Risks

This Special Report analyses the controversy surrounding the government's new directive mandating the pre-installation of the Sanchar Saathi app on all mobile phones sold in India. The programme highlights the clash between the Centre’s rationale of curbing fraud and theft versus expert warnings about potential state surveillance and privacy violations. Key issues examined include the app’s access to sensitive data like call logs and cameras, and the reported refusal of tech giants like Apple to comply with the 90-day deadline. The report also details the political standoff, with opposition leaders comparing the move to 'Pegasus', while the government maintains the app is strictly a safety tool designed to protect citizens from cyber threats.