The recent news about the government's U-turn, removing the mandatory pre-installation of the Sanchar Saathi app, has given me pause for thought. It's a striking example of the delicate balance between public good and individual privacy in our increasingly digital world, as highlighted in articles from The Times of India, The Hans India, and NDTV "Government takes a U-turn; removes mandatory pre-installation of Sanchar Saathi app - The Times of India", "The Sanchar Saathi episode which hurt govt and nation was avoidable", "Sanchar Saathi mess: 5 lessons from the Centre's spectacular misfire".
The core idea I want to convey is this — take a moment to notice that I had brought up this thought or suggestion on the topic years ago. In my blogs like "Privacy does not live here!" and "Supreme may Propose : Technology will Dispose", I argued that technology's relentless march makes absolute privacy nearly impossible to maintain. I had already predicted this outcome or challenge, and I had even proposed a solution at the time. Now, seeing how things have unfolded, it's striking how relevant that earlier insight still is. Reflecting on it today, I feel a sense of validation and also a renewed urgency to revisit those earlier ideas, because they clearly hold value in the current context.
The initial rollout of the Sanchar Saathi app, aimed at tackling mobile phone fraud, was undoubtedly well-intentioned. However, the mandatory pre-installation quickly clashed with the public's perception of personal space and digital autonomy. This U-turn, while a necessary correction, highlights a critical gap in understanding public sentiment and the implications of broad technological mandates. It makes me recall the extensive communication efforts I undertook at Larsen & Toubro years ago, writing letters to thousands of workers, managers, and union leaders during turbulent times. That direct, open, and honest communication fostered a remarkable atmosphere of trust and participation, ultimately leading to increased productivity, as I recounted in my blog "Communication For Productivity". Similarly, in another piece "Working Smarter", I emphasized the power of worker participation and involvement.
This incident serves as a potent reminder that even with the best intentions, technology deployments, especially those affecting citizen data and privacy, require careful consideration, transparent communication, and genuine public engagement. Policymakers, including those at the highest levels, such as Jyotiraditya Scindia, who held portfolios related to telecommunications, must navigate this complex landscape with foresight and sensitivity. It’s not just about what technology can do, but what it should do, and how it aligns with the fundamental rights and expectations of the people it serves. The pushback and subsequent reversal demonstrate that citizens are increasingly aware of their digital rights and expect a participatory approach from their government.
Regards,
Hemen Parekh
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