The central government’s decision to make the Sanchar Saathi app mandatory on every smartphone in India has started a major political debate. Although the government says the app will fight fraud and protect users, opposition leaders argue it could open the door to large-scale phone surveillance. Many opposition leaders have even compared it to the controversial Pegasus spyware.
What is Sanchar Saathi?
Sanchar Saathi is a government app created to help users stay safe from mobile-related fraud. The app allows people to check if their phone is genuine, find out if someone has taken a mobile connection in their name, block a lost or stolen phone by using its IMEI number, and report suspicious calls.
The new government order makes it compulsory for all smartphone makers to install this app on every device sold in India. The app will also be pushed to existing phones through updates. Once installed, users cannot remove or disable it, which is the main reason behind the rising concerns.
What is Pegasus?
Pegasus is a powerful spyware known for secretly entering a smartphone without the user’s knowledge. Once inside a device, it can access calls, messages, photos, location, microphone, and camera. It was earlier accused of being used to monitor journalists, activists, and political leaders. Because of how deeply it can control a phone, the name “Pegasus” has become strongly linked with surveillance fears in the western countries like USA and Europe.
Why Are Opposition Leaders Calling It Out?
Several opposition MPs have strongly criticised the government’s decision.
“This is Pegasus plus plus,” wrote Congress MP Karti Chidambaram. “Big Brother will take over our phone and pretty much our entire private lives.”
Priyanka Chaturvedi, Shiv Sena (UBT) MP, said the decision feels like a “Big Boss-style surveillance moment.” She argued that instead of protecting citizens, the app could allow the government to constantly watch people’s private lives.
Both leaders believe that although the app is presented as a safety tool, its mandatory installation and deep access to mobile data could be misused for monitoring political opponents or ordinary citizens.
