Pegasus 'renamed' as Sanchar Saathi, govt spying on people: Uddhav
Mumbai (PTI): Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray on Wednesday said that the Sanchar Saathi app is another version of Pegasus spyware and accused the BJP-led government of trying to spy on the people who voted it to power.
Instead of putting people under surveillance, the government must focus on how the Pahalgam attack took place in April this year, which claimed 26 lives, and how terrorists enter India, the former Maharashtra chief minister said.
The Communication Ministry's order, dated November 28, mandating all mobile phone manufacturers to pre-install Sanchar Saathi app in all handsets to be sold in India, as well as in existing devices through software update, has triggered a row.
ALSO READ: Snooping will never happen with Sanchar Saathi app: Scindia in LS
Concerns have been raised about possible snooping and that the app could be used to read messages that users exchange.
"You must have heard about Pegasus (spyware). It would install a virus (malware) in phones and spy. They (the government) have changed the name of Pegasus to Sanchar Saathi. They are spying," Thackeray claimed while speaking to his party workers at his residence 'Matoshri' in Mumbai.
"You (government) are showing mistrust in people who trusted you," he added.
Amid privacy concerns over the Sanchar Saathi app, Communications Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia on Wednesday asserted that snooping is neither possible nor will it happen with the app.
Depending on the feedback, the ministry is ready to make changes to the order regarding the installation of the app in devices, he told the Lok Sabha.
ALSO READ: Apple to discuss Sanchar Saathi app order with govt, may not follow in its current form
Asserting that the app is for the protection of people, he said the government wants to give choices to consumers.
If a consumer has not been registered on the app, then the app will not be operational and one can also delete the app, he stated.
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US–Iran first round direct talks conclude in Islamabad: Report
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The first round of direct talks between the United States and Iran, held in Islamabad, has concluded, Al Jazeera reported citing sources close to the development.
According to the report, following the discussions, delegations from both sides agreed to exchange written documents, a move aimed at ensuring clarity and consensus on the understandings reached during the meeting.
Both the Iranian and US delegations arrived in Islamabad on Saturday, April 11, amid high security for the peace talks.
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