India Enforces Mandatory ‘Sanchar Saathi’ Cybersecurity App on All Smartphones
In a decisive move to bolster national cybersecurity, India’s Department of Telecommunications (DoT) has mandated that all smartphone manufacturers pre-install the government-developed Sanchar Saathi app on new devices sold within the country. This directive, issued on November 28, 2025, grants companies like Apple, Samsung, Xiaomi, Vivo, and Oppo a 90-day window to comply, ensuring the app is embedded as a non-removable feature on every handset.
This initiative underscores the government’s commitment to enhancing digital security in a nation with over 1.2 billion telecom subscribers. By integrating Sanchar Saathi directly into smartphones, authorities aim to provide users with robust tools to combat the escalating threats of digital fraud and cybercrime.
Sanchar Saathi: A Comprehensive Cybersecurity Companion
Launched earlier this year, Sanchar Saathi (Hindi for Communication Companion) was initially introduced as a web portal designed to empower mobile subscribers. The transition to a mandatory app integrates several critical safety features directly into the user interface:
– Chakshu: A reporting tool that enables users to flag suspected fraudulent communications, including malicious calls, SMS, or WhatsApp messages.
– Lost/Stolen Mobile Blocking: Utilizing the Central Equipment Identity Register (CEIR), this feature allows users to block stolen devices across all networks, rendering them inoperable to thieves.
– Connection Management: Users can verify all mobile connections registered under their name, helping identify and deactivate unauthorized SIM cards.
– Device Authenticity Checks: Ensures that a device’s hardware and International Mobile Equipment Identity (IMEI) number are genuine, safeguarding against counterfeit devices.
The government reports that over 700,000 lost phones have been successfully traced using the system, highlighting its effectiveness in device recovery.
Industry Response and Privacy Considerations
The directive’s requirement for the app to be undeletable has raised concerns among privacy advocates and smartphone manufacturers. Companies like Apple, known for their stringent control over pre-installed software, may find this mandate challenging. Industry executives, speaking anonymously, have expressed frustration over the lack of prior consultation, fearing that the compulsory app could impact user trust and device performance.
Privacy advocates are particularly wary of a government-controlled app with extensive system access, fearing potential surveillance implications. However, the Indian government has consistently denied such intentions, emphasizing that the directive is solely a consumer protection measure aimed at enhancing user security.
In addition to pre-installing the app on new devices, manufacturers are also required to push the app to existing devices via software updates, ensuring comprehensive coverage across the active user base.
Broader Context: Strengthening Digital Security in India
This move is part of a series of initiatives by the Indian government to fortify the nation’s digital infrastructure. In recent years, India has witnessed a surge in digital transactions, accompanied by a corresponding increase in cyber threats. By mandating the Sanchar Saathi app, the government aims to provide citizens with the tools necessary to protect themselves against these evolving threats.
The success of this initiative will depend on effective implementation, user education, and ongoing collaboration between the government, manufacturers, and consumers. As India continues to embrace digital transformation, such measures are crucial in ensuring a secure and resilient digital ecosystem for all its citizens.
