Syllabus: Indian Constitution — historical underpinnings, evolution, features, amendments, significant provisions and basic structure.
Context
- The government mandated pre-installation of the Sanchar Saathi app on all new smartphones.
- The directive faced criticism for enabling broad surveillance capacity and was subsequently withdrawn.
Issues with Mandatory Surveillance Apps
- The app was to be visible on first use and non-removable, enhancing state access to personal data.
- It reportedly required wide permissions: phone logs, SMS, and location, with updates pushed remotely.
- Such privileged apps become high-value targets for both state overreach and cyber-criminal exploitation.
Proportionality and Necessity Concerns
- The mandate fails the Supreme Court’s proportionality test (K.S. Puttaswamy, 2017).
- The same objectives can be achieved through existing systems like Sanchar Saathi portal, CEIR services, TRAI DND app, and 1909 short code.
- Thus, an intrusive app is not necessary when less invasive alternatives already exist.
Risks Linked to Broad Device Access
- Privileged apps on millions of devices allow attackers to move laterally at scale if compromised.
- Existing technologies can verify device authenticity only when needed, without persistent monitoring.
Why Behaviour Change Matters More
- Scamsters exploit fear, confusion, and imitation of authority more than technological loopholes.
- Therefore, user behaviour, not device surveillance, is central to fraud prevention.
Successful Digital Literacy Interventions
- Studies show generic scam-awareness messages are insufficient; interventions must be continuous and culturally relevant.
- India already runs effective initiatives:
- RBI e-BAAT, RBI Kehta Hai campaigns on safe digital banking.
- State-level outreach such as Chhattisgarh’s cybersecurity van and Telangana’s “Fraud Ka Full Stop” campaign.
- Local police and banks conduct kiosks, workshops, and public demonstrations.
Way Forward: Three Pillars
- Stronger obligations on telecom and financial firms to detect emerging fraud patterns.
- Accessible user reporting systems and timely redress mechanisms.
- A sustained national digital literacy mission, treating citizens as informed participants, not passive subjects.