A few months ago, there was talk of an Indian government-backed messaging app, on WhatsApp lines, to protect critical internal communications. Apparently the app now looks ready and is being tested internally by the government. Going by the name Sandes, which means "message" in Hindi, the use of the app is currently restricted to government officials. However, it is believed that it will be available to the general public in the future. The app was originally called GIMS, an abbreviation for Government Instant Messaging System. Official sources also said that Sandes should not be confused with existing apps with similar names, such as Sandesh. Furthermore, the possible move to Sandes may not be unique, as there is another concerted campaign for Koo, an India-made alternative to Twitter, to start on the spot. These developments clearly show that the Indian government ecosystem is uncomfortable with using foreign messaging platforms that are not ready to do their bidding.
How to access Sandes?
The backend of the Sandes application is managed by the National Information Technology Center (NIC), which depends on the Department of Electronics and Information Technology. NIC provides the infrastructure to support the delivery of government IT services and the implementation of some of Digital India's initiatives. When users navigate to the gims.gov.in page, they can see the login form. But any attempt to connect (in one of three possible ways: LDAP or Sandes OTP or Sandes Web) gets the response: "This authentication method is applicable to authorized officials." But government sources say that the Sandes app can run on both iOS and Android platforms. It also supports voice and data messages, similar to other modern chat apps. Sandes comes as WhatsApp users migrate to other platforms, polarized as they are by the new privacy policy of the Facebook-owned app, which will share more data with its parent company.Koo, a desi alternative to Twitter
Now I'm in Koo. Connect with me on this Indian microblogging platform for exciting and exclusive updates in real time. Let's share our thoughts and ideas about Koo. 📱 Join me: https://t.co/zIL6YI0epM pic.twitter.com/REGioTdMfm February 9, 2021 Meanwhile, as Twitter and the Indian government appear to be at odds over blocking content and accounts linked to the protest of farmers, union ministers and government departments are also setting up accounts on Koo, an Indian-made alternative to Twitter. Giving Koo a big endorsement, Union Minister Piyush Goyal announced on Twitter: “Now I'm on Koo. Connect with me on this Indian microblogging platform for exciting and exclusive updates in real time. Let's share our thoughts and ideas about Koo. Electronics and Information Technology Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad already has verified control over Koo. Telecom, IT, India Post, Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs, and MyGovIndia are also present on Koo.