Article Title:
India Enforces Mandatory ‘Sanchar Saathi’ Cybersecurity App on All Smartphones
Article Text:
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. Officials emphasize that the measure is crucial in combating the escalating incidents of digital fraud and cybercrime. The Sanchar Saathi app is designed as a citizen-centric tool, empowering authorities to curb the misuse of stolen phones and address the proliferation of spoofed IMEI numbers often exploited in criminal activities.
Sanchar Saathi: A Comprehensive Digital Safeguard
Introduced earlier this year, the Sanchar Saathi platform initially functioned as a web portal aimed at empowering mobile users. The mandatory app version integrates several key safety features directly into the user interface:
– Chakshu: A reporting tool enabling users to flag suspected fraudulent communications, including malicious calls, SMS, or WhatsApp messages.
– Lost/Stolen Mobile Blocking: Utilizes the Central Equipment Identity Register (CEIR) to disable stolen devices across all networks, rendering them inoperable to thieves.
– Connection Management: Allows users to verify all mobile connections registered under their name, helping identify unauthorized SIM cards.
– Device Authenticity Checks: Verifies the genuineness of a device’s hardware and IMEI number.
The government reports that over 700,000 lost phones have been 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 erode user trust and impact device performance.
Privacy advocates are particularly wary that a government-controlled app with extensive system access could potentially be used for surveillance purposes. However, the Indian government has consistently denied such intentions, asserting that the directive is solely aimed at consumer protection.
In addition to pre-installing the app on new devices, manufacturers are also required to deploy the app to existing devices through software updates, ensuring comprehensive coverage across the active user base.
Broader Context and Implications
This move is part of a series of initiatives by the Indian government to strengthen digital security. For instance, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has proposed a framework mandating additional factor authentication for all digital payment transactions to enhance security. Similarly, Google has launched an enhanced fraud protection pilot in India, aiming to block malicious sideloaded apps that exploit sensitive permissions for financial fraud.
While these measures are designed to protect consumers, they also reflect a growing trend of increased regulatory oversight in the digital space. The balance between security and privacy remains a contentious issue, with stakeholders advocating for transparent policies that safeguard user rights while addressing security concerns.
Conclusion
The mandatory inclusion of the Sanchar Saathi app on all smartphones marks a significant step in India’s efforts to combat cybercrime and protect its vast mobile user base. As the implementation deadline approaches, it will be crucial for the government to engage with industry stakeholders and privacy advocates to address concerns and ensure that the initiative achieves its security objectives without compromising user trust or device performance.
