Sanchar Saathi Row: Govt Clarifies App Optional After Privacy Backlash; Experts Debate Mandatory Pre-Install Fears

On this Special Report, the focus is on the controversy surrounding the government's directive to pre-install the 'Sanchar Saathi' app on smartphones. While the government, represented by Principal Secretary to the Chief Minister of Maharashtra Brijesh Singh, argues the move is essential to curb cybercrime and 'digital arrest' scams, privacy advocates raise alarms. Apar Gupta, Founder Director of the Internet Freedom Foundation, questions the lack of transparency, stating, 'The Department of Telecommunications has not officially released the full text of the directions.' Supreme Court Advocate N.S. Nappinai argues the mandatory nature of the directive violates fundamental rights. The programme also discusses the government's latest clarification that the app remains optional for users.