Paper: GS – II, Subject: Governance, Topic: Government Policies, Issue: Sanchar Saathi App.
Context:
Sanchar Saathi, developed by the Department of Telecommunications, helps users check SIM connections, verify IMEI numbers, and block lost or stolen phones through its CEIR-linked national IMEI database.
Key Takeaways:
- While it enhances security and curbs fake or cloned devices, concerns remain about possible privacy breaches through unauthorized third-party access, underscoring the need for stronger data-protection guidelines.
What is Sanchar Saathi App?
- Sanchar Saathi is a mobile application and portal developed by the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) to protect telecom users from fraud, identity misuse, and mobile theft.
The main objectives of the Sanchar Saathi Portal are:
- To protect citizens from fake, duplicate, or tampered mobile devices.
- To prevent SIM frauds and identity misuse
- To help users easily report lost or stolen phones
- To support cyber safety by identifying and blocking suspicious activity
- To improve transparency in the telecom system by allowing users to monitor their own mobile connections.
- Chakshu is a citizen-friendly platform launched by the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) to help users report and verify suspicious communications such as scam calls, fake customer-care numbers, and phishing messages.
Privacy Concerns and Data Collection Analysis of Sanchar Saathi:
Sanchar Saathi has faced criticism over its initially perceived mandatory use, broad data access, and weak privacy safeguards. Digital rights groups and industry stakeholders argue that greater transparency, stronger user control, and improved data-protection measures are essential. Addressing these concerns is crucial to ensure anti-fraud efforts do not compromise user privacy or fundamental rights.
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