Sanchar Saathi app
The Department of Telecom’s surreptitiously-issued directive to manufacturers of mobile phones to preinstal the Sanchar Saathi app — loosely translated as ‘communication companion — is concerning and troubling. The government’s clarification that its use is voluntary has not put concerns to rest. The freedom to activate, deactivate and delete the app seems to have been announced as an afterthought in the wake of public furore over the retrograde move. Why it is not left to mobile users to install or not install the app raises suspicions. It is significant that the so-called cybersecurity app is state-owned. People are not quite convinced that the purpose is not to prevent digital fraud and cybercrimes and ensure digital security. As the matter pertains to a possible violation of the right to privacy enjoyed by a large section of the population and the cons outweigh the pros, the government must roll back the ill-thought-out and contentious move forthwith.
G. David Milton,
Maruthancode, Tamil Nadu
The rollout of the app is reminiscent of the advent of Pegasus. By dint of the government’s stout denial and the lack of technical proof, Pegasus flew under the radar of public scrutiny, but the spyware is probably out there still, doing its job. Sanchar Saathi is being labelled as a visible regulatory/anti-fraud tool. But the fact is that user consent and autonomy are removed. It has privacy and surveillance risks. There is potential misuse of data, lack of transparency or safeguards, and an infringement on fundamental rights. One has a sense of revisiting George Orwell’s novel, 1984.
R. Thomas Paul,
Bengaluru
The government’s move may be a decisive step against digital fraud, but its abrupt enforcement raises questions. While citizens undeniably need protection from rising cybercrimes, security cannot become a ‘one-size-fits-all’ prescription. Many fear that compulsory installation may gradually blur the line between safety and surveillance, which cannot be brushed aside. India’s digital ecosystem is already fragile; adding another layer without transparent safeguards may only amplify public distrust. What is needed is informed consent, clear data-use policies, and an accountability framework. Technology should empower people, not make them feel that they are under surveillance.
Mohammad Hasnain,
Muzaffarpur, Bihar
Name change
The unproductive measure of changing the names of Raj Bhavans as Lok Bhavans is not going to change the mindset of their occupants. Mere name change is not going to bring in any improvements in the conduct of Governors who behave as if they are above the Constitution and rule of law.
V. Padmanabhan,
Bengaluru
Parliament and business
The top leader said that the winter session ‘must not become a stage for political theatrics’ but a platform for constructive and result-driven debate (Inside pages, December 2). Quite true. But the problem is one wonders whether the leader follows what he preaches. Does he allow discussion or debate on issues such as the Special Intensive Revision of electoral rolls, internal security lapses, challenges posed to India’s foreign policy and so on, as demanded by the Opposition? Or, does his government pass the Bills after discussion or debate? The top leader also said that defeat should not be a reason for disruption in the House.
In the same vein, Parliament should not be the place for the ruling party to celebrate political victory. The top leader talks about inclusiveness, but in Parliament, this is missing.
D. Sethuraman,
Chennai
Word of the year
Over the last decade, Oxford’s Word of the Year choices have shown an unmistakable shift in how digital habits shape the way we think and behave. Seen against this pattern, ‘rage bait’, chosen for 2024, feels extremely realistic. It reflects what many of us experience daily. My own sense is that the spread of rage bait says more about our mental environment than about the language itself.
Vijay Singh Adhikari,
Nainital, Uttarakhand
Published – December 03, 2025 12:24 am IST
