Sanchar Saathi Row: Scindia Clarifies App is Optional as Apple, Opposition Push Back

In this report, India Today's Amit Bharadwaj details the escalating controversy over the government's directive for smartphone manufacturers to pre-install the 'Sanchar Saathi' app. The Department of Telecommunications has issued a 90-day timeline for compliance, triggering resistance from tech giants like Apple. While the opposition, including the Congress party, has branded the move a 'snooping attempt' akin to Pegasus, Union Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia has issued a clarification. Scindia asserts that the app is designed to curb financial fraud and remains 'optional,' with users free to uninstall or deactivate it. The report also examines the varying permission levels required for Android versus iOS devices.