In this special report, India Today’s Aishwarya Paliwal details the government’s strategy for the ongoing winter session of Parliament. After an important meeting chaired by Union Home Minister Amit Shah and in the presence of BJP President JP Nadda and Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju, the government has scheduled the debate on ‘Vande Mataram’ on December 8 and electoral reforms on December 9. Kiren Rijiju asserted that the government is ready to counter the opposition’s allegations regarding the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls. Meanwhile, Congress MP Priyanka Gandhi Vadra has criticized the government for prioritizing these debates over the severe air pollution crisis in Delhi, citing her party’s ‘vote theft’ campaign. The report highlights the growing standoff between the Center and the opposition.

In this special report, India Today Network discusses the government’s directive to pre-install ‘Sanchar Sathi’ app on mobile phones. Cybersecurity expert Kanishk Gaur and Supreme Court lawyer Dr Pawan Duggal analyze the privacy implications of the app’s broad permissions, which include access to the camera, call logs and messages. Gaur argues that such permissions ‘escape user privacy and trust’ and warns of potential mass surveillance in the absence of a data protection act. Dr Duggal claims that ‘no state-sponsored app is the solution to cyber security’ and emphasizes that users should act as their own ‘digital security measures’. The discussion highlights concerns over misuse of data, lack of public consultation and refusal of manufacturers like Apple to comply.

This special report analyzes the controversy surrounding the government’s new directive mandating pre-installation of the Sanchar Sathi app on all mobile phones sold in India. The program highlights the clash between the Centre’s arguments for curbing fraud and theft versus expert warnings about potential state surveillance and privacy violations. Key issues examined include apps’ access to sensitive data like call logs and cameras and the refusal of tech giants like Apple to adhere to the 90-day deadline. The report also details a political standoff, with opposition leaders comparing the move to ‘Pegasus’ while the government says the app is purely a security tool designed to protect citizens from cyber threats.

In this special report, India Today’s Emerging Tech Editor, Cyrus John, discusses the government’s controversial directive mandating pre-installation of ‘Sanchar Sathi’ app on smartphones. Speaking to anchor Sonal, John explained the technical nuances of data privacy, warning that even after uninstalling an app, ‘your data is never gone.’ He highlighted the challenges for original equipment manufacturers (OEMs), noting that although Android devices can comply, it ‘will not be easy for iOS devices’ as Apple does not entertain third-party apps. Discussion also included the possibility of spying and the need for third-party security review.