Synopsis: The government has withdrawn its decision to make the Sanchaar Saathi app compulsory, but experts warn that many apps already installed on your phone may be silently tracking your personal data. Here’s how apps collect your information and what you can do to protect your digital privacy.
The Central government recently reversed its plan to mandate the pre-installation of the Sanchaar Saathi app on all smartphones sold after March 2026. This app—created to help users protect their mobile numbers and block stolen devices—faced sharp criticism from the Opposition, which called it a tool for mass surveillance. The backlash triggered a heated debate on privacy and the extent of government access to citizens’ smartphones.
Responding to public concerns, the Ministry of Communications issued a press release confirming that installing the app will now be optional, not mandatory. While this may have ended one controversy, it reignited a deeper question:
Is your phone already being monitored by apps you use every day?
How Mobile Apps Collect Your Data
Apps collect data in multiple ways—some obvious, some hidden. When you install an app, it often asks for access to:
- Location
- Contacts
- Camera and microphone
- Call logs
- Photos
- Health and fitness data
- SMS and notifications
In the digital economy, data is money. Companies build detailed profiles of users and sell this information to advertisers, marketing agencies, and even third-party analytics firms. Your online behaviour—what you eat, where you shop, where you travel—can all be deduced from the data collected by apps on your phone.
What To Check Before Installing Any App
To protect yourself, follow these essential steps:
- Read the privacy policy to understand what data is collected and how it is used.
- Check customer reviews to see if previous users have flagged issues.
- Download only from official app stores such as Google Play or Apple App Store.
- Avoid apps that seem unnecessary or suspicious.
- Be cautious of apps that claim to be “free.” Your data is the price you pay.
Also, review the permissions you grant. If a notes app asks for location access or a flashlight app wants your microphone — that’s a red flag.
Where Does Your Data Actually Go?
Once gathered, your data may be:
- Stored by the app’s servers
- Shared with partner companies
- Sold to advertisers
- Used to build behavioural profiles
This leads to hyper-targeted advertising. Many users report that their phones seem to “listen” to conversations — and soon after, related ads appear everywhere. This is the power of data-driven profiling.
Is Your Data Being Misused? Here’s How to Check
You should regularly audit your apps to ensure you are not oversharing:
- Go to Settings > App Permissions on your phone.
- For each app, ask: Does this app really need this permission?
- Remove anything unnecessary.
India's legal landscape on data privacy is evolving. While the Supreme Court has declared privacy a fundamental right, the Digital Personal Data Protection Act (2023) is still awaiting full enforcement. Until then, users must stay proactive.
Top 5 Ways to Protect Your Privacy
- Share less information online — only what’s essential.
- Keep device backups in case of hacks or data corruption.
- Use a reliable antivirus and keep your device updated.
- Enable a firewall to block suspicious activity.
- Stay alert — cyber security begins with user awareness.
Apps may be improving lives with convenience, but the hidden cost is your data. Staying informed and vigilant is the only way to ensure your smartphone works for you—not against you.
Disclaimer: This article is intended for informational purposes only. Users should independently verify settings and consult official guidelines for cyber security and data protection measures.
