Govt Officials Start Using ‘Sandes’, A Whatsapp Alternative For More Privacy, Data Security

Some government officials started using a desi alternative to WhatsApp called Sandes, which could change the game for WhatsApp, according to a latest report. 

Government Instant Messaging System

Prior to this, the Indian government confirmed their plans on working on a WhatsApp-chat like feature Last year.

With the latest developments, it seems that the app is now ready and going through the initial testing phase by ministry officials.

Moreover, the government officials in some ministries have already started using the GIMS or short form for Government Instant Messaging System according to the Business Standard reports.

A Desi App For Chatting

Several speculations last year claimed that the government made chatting app may be called GIMS. 

Although now the messaging has come to the surface and also got a desi name to go with its abilities.

confirming Business Standard’s report, the gims.gov.in page does give away the name. 

Features Included In Sandes 

Apart from the name, it also provides insight about the ways to log-in including sign-in LDAP, sign-in with Sandes OTP, and Sandes web. 

When we try to tap on any of the options, the page shows a message that reads, “This authentication method is applicable for authorised government officials.”

This reports further corroborates to earlier claims that the move to make a desi alternative of WhatsApp was taken to get government employees off the social media networks that may have compromised channels. 

Restricted To Government Officials

According to the report, the use of Sandes is restricted to government officials currently. 

Although,  a broader rollout can be expected later on.

While talking about this latest app, the report says that the Sandes app can run on both iOS and Android platforms. 

In addition to that, it also supports voice and data, similar to modern-day chatting apps. 

A Rival To WhatsApp

Further, the Sandes app’s backend is handled by the NIC, which is The National Informatics Centre, comes under the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology. 

Basically, NIC helps in providing the infrastructure to help support the delivery of government IT services and the delivery of some of Digital India’s initiatives.

Interestingly, the timing of Sandes coinciding with WhatsApp, which will also be pushing its new privacy policy that shares more data with the parent company, Facebook.