Earlier this week, the Indian government dropped a bombshell on smartphone makers and millions of citizens. Every new phone sold in the country had to come pre-installed with the Sanchar Saathi app, a state-backed tool designed to combat telecom fraud and track stolen devices. At least, that is what the government said at first. And after much pressure, there has been some relenting from the powers that be.

The biggest concern around Sanchar Saathi was that it was being thrust on users. The app was said to be non-removable, non-deletable, and deeply embedded in the device’s operating system once smartphone makers pre-installed it. And in the interim, an install campaign had already begun with SMS messages urging citizens to install the app.

Naturally, it resulted in furore and a climate of fear. Many called it a way for the government to sneak in spyware on to smartphones. Others urged OEMs to push back. Apple reportedly refused to comply with the diktat, amid criticism from privacy advocates and citizens.

Think tank Internet Freedom Foundation (IFF) said it will take steps to “support a challenge” to the new mandates in a court of law.

Amid much clamour and criticism, the government took a dramatic U-turn, announcing that the app would be optional. The episode exposes the fault lines in India’s digital governance, where the promise of security — ironically enough — raises concerns about the common man’s right to privacy and user autonomy.​

So, how did an app, designed to curb online fraud, invite a firestorm of criticism, all while raising concerns around privacy and security?

Sanchar Saathi: Safety Or Surveillance?

Sanchar Saathi’s mission,........

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