Sanchar Saathi App: Government Clarifies Deletion Option Amidst Snooping Concerns
The government clarified that the Sanchar Saathi app, used for tracking lost phones, can be deleted by users, addressing Opposition concerns about snooping.
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Sanchar Saathi app helps track and block lost/stolen mobile phones
Minister clarified the app is not pre-installed and can be deleted by users
Opposition raised concerns about potential snooping
App developed by DoT
Aims to prevent mobile phone fraud and facilitate recovery
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Sanchar Saathi App: Purpose, Concerns, and Government Clarification
This mind map illustrates the core aspects of the Sanchar Saathi app news, connecting its intended purpose with the privacy concerns raised and the government's response, providing a holistic view for UPSC aspirants.
Sanchar Saathi App
- ●Primary Purpose
- ●Developed by
- ●Concerns Raised
- ●Government Clarification
Exam Angles
Government initiatives in digital security and e-governance (GS-II, GS-III)
Right to Privacy (Article 21) and data protection laws (DPDP Act, 2023) (GS-II)
Cybersecurity challenges and solutions (GS-III)
Role of regulatory bodies like DoT in telecommunications (GS-II)
Technology's impact on governance and individual rights (GS-II, GS-III)
View Detailed Summary
Summary
The government has responded to concerns raised by the Opposition regarding the Sanchar Saathi app, clarifying that users have the option to delete it from their devices. The app, developed by the Department of Telecommunications (DoT), is primarily designed to help users track and block lost or stolen mobile phones. Opposition parties had alleged that the app could be used for snooping, raising privacy concerns.
The Minister of State for Communications emphasized that the app is not pre-installed and is entirely voluntary, aiming to reassure the public about its purpose and user control over their data. This clarification seeks to allay fears about potential misuse and uphold user privacy.
Background
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Practice Questions (MCQs)
1. Consider the following statements regarding the Sanchar Saathi App: 1. It has been developed by the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) to combat cybercrime. 2. Its primary objective is to help users track and block lost or stolen mobile phones. 3. The government has clarified that the app is pre-installed on all new mobile devices sold in India. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
- A.1 only
- B.2 only
- C.1 and 3 only
- D.2 and 3 only
Show Answer
Answer: B
Statement 1 is incorrect. The Sanchar Saathi app has been developed by the Department of Telecommunications (DoT), which falls under the Ministry of Communications, not MeitY. Statement 2 is correct, as its primary purpose is indeed to help users track and block lost or stolen mobile phones. Statement 3 is incorrect. The government has explicitly clarified that the app is not pre-installed and its installation is entirely voluntary.
2. In the context of digital privacy and government initiatives, consider the following statements: 1. The Right to Privacy was declared a fundamental right under Article 21 by the Supreme Court in the K.S. Puttaswamy judgment. 2. The Digital Personal Data Protection Act, 2023, mandates that data fiduciaries must obtain explicit consent from data principals before processing their personal data. 3. The Central Equipment Identity Register (CEIR) system, linked to the Sanchar Saathi app, primarily aims to identify and block cloned or counterfeit mobile phones. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
- A.1 and 2 only
- B.2 and 3 only
- C.1 and 3 only
- D.1, 2 and 3
Show Answer
Answer: D
Statement 1 is correct. The Supreme Court, in its landmark K.S. Puttaswamy judgment (2017), unanimously affirmed that the Right to Privacy is a fundamental right under Article 21 of the Constitution. Statement 2 is correct. The Digital Personal Data Protection Act, 2023, is built on the principle of consent, requiring data fiduciaries to obtain explicit, informed, and unambiguous consent from data principals for processing their personal data. Statement 3 is correct. The CEIR system, operated by DoT, is a central database of IMEI numbers of mobile phones. It helps in tracking lost/stolen phones and also in identifying and blocking cloned or counterfeit mobile phones by cross-referencing IMEI numbers with a national database.
3. Which of the following statements correctly describes the International Mobile Equipment Identity (IMEI) number?
- A.It is a unique 15-digit code used to identify a specific mobile phone device globally.
- B.It is primarily used to identify the subscriber's SIM card and network provider.
- C.It is a software-based identifier that can be changed by the user at will.
- D.It is a regulatory code issued by the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) for network access.
Show Answer
Answer: A
Option A is correct. The IMEI (International Mobile Equipment Identity) is a unique 15-digit serial number that identifies individual mobile phone devices. It is crucial for tracking lost or stolen phones and blocking them from accessing cellular networks. Option B is incorrect; the SIM card is identified by an IMSI (International Mobile Subscriber Identity) number. Option C is incorrect; IMEI is a hardware-based identifier and cannot be easily changed by the user; tampering with it is illegal in many countries. Option D is incorrect; while TRAI regulates telecom services, the IMEI is a global standard for device identification, not a regulatory code issued by TRAI for network access.