BJP MP Defends Communication Companion App as a Security Measure
BJP MP Ravi Shankar Prasad has come forward to defend the Communication Companion app, mandated by the Department of Telecommunications for pre-installation on mobile devices. He describes the app as a vital security measure, countering opposition claims that it raises privacy concerns. Prasad connects the opposition's criticism to their recent electoral defeat in Bihar, asserting that voters had no complaints regarding election issues. The DoT's guidelines aim to enhance consumer awareness and combat counterfeit devices. This article explores the implications of the app and the political dynamics surrounding its introduction.
| Dec 2, 2025, 20:02 IST
BJP's Stance on Communication Companion App
BJP Member of Parliament Ravi Shankar Prasad defended the directive from the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) mandating the pre-installation of the Communication Companion app on mobile devices, labeling it as a 'security shield.' He criticized the opposition for creating unfounded controversies and accused them of attempting to undermine a beneficial initiative. Prasad stated that while many apps are present on mobile phones, if one app functions as a 'security shield,' what is the issue? He emphasized that a baseless dispute is being raised over this.
Read More: Akhilesh's Sharp Critique of BJP, Labels Communication Companion App as a Vulture Eye, Accuses of Household Surveillance
Prasad linked the opposition's stance to their recent defeat in Bihar, asserting that voters did not express any grievances regarding electoral issues. He also targeted the Congress party, claiming that winning elections would be challenging with such an opposition. He noted that the opposition had previously raised the issue of SIR in the last parliamentary session, yet faced defeat in Bihar. He remarked that not a single voter among millions complained about being denied the right to vote, stating, 'The Congress party will never win in this manner.'
Meanwhile, the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) has issued guidelines requiring manufacturers and importers to pre-install the Communication Companion app on devices sold in India to enhance consumer awareness and curb the circulation of counterfeit or tampered IMEI numbers. For devices already manufactured and available through sales channels, manufacturers and importers are instructed to promote this application through software updates.
Read More: Communication Companion is Not a Surveillance Tool, It's a Citizen Security Platform Based on Public Participation: Scindia
According to the ministry, the directives issued on November 28 aim to protect citizens from purchasing counterfeit mobile devices, ensure easy reporting of suspected misuse of telecommunications resources, and enhance the overall effectiveness of the Communication Companion initiative. The Telecommunications Cyber Security (TCS) regulations empower the central government to issue directives to manufacturers of telecommunications devices with International Mobile Equipment Identity (IMEI) numbers to provide necessary assistance regarding tampered telecommunications devices or IMEI numbers as needed.