The National Informatics Centre has launched its own instant messaging platform called Sandes which means ‘message’ in Hindi. This app has been launched by the government as an alternative to WhatsApp and other instant messaging apps.
We have been seen WhatsApp and other instant messaging apps in the headlines for privacy issues of the users. Taking an advantage of the situation has launched ‘Sandes’ which claims to use end-to-end encrypted communication.
Just like WhatsApp, one can share images, videos, voice messages, create groups on the app. Users can also set up their profile pictures and status. Further, users can also broadcast messages or set certain messages as their favourite.
For Android, it requires Android 5.0 and above. It is compatible with iPhone, iPad, and the iPod touch, given that they have iOS 12.0 or above.
The app is currently not available for download on PlayStore but the APK file for both android and iOS users is available for download on the NIC website. To use the Sandes app, the user needs to have a government ID.
Some of the sources in the government confirmed to NDTV that a second app, called Samvad (which means conversation) is also in the works. “These apps are being developed completely by the government of India. It is going to be an instant messaging app like WhatsApp,” a MeITY functionary told NDTV.
“A need was being felt within the government for a very long time to have our own, independent, and self-owned instant messaging service. Development of these apps began way before the present WhatsApp controversy,” said the source.
The biggest advantage of this app will be that “we will never have to worry about data being stolen and used for commercial gains by big tech”.
“It may entirely be possible that one of these apps shall remain for the internal consumption of government employees and not be rolled out for the public,” the source said.
“These initiatives are all a part of the government’s Aatmanirbhar initiative,” a source said referring to Sandes
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