Govt makes ‘Sanchar Saathi’ app mandatory on all new smartphones to boost cyber security
Users will not be able to delete or disable the app; for existing devices, the app will be pushed through a software update
PTC Web Desk: The Central Government has issued a major directive aimed at strengthening mobile security across the country. All new smartphones sold in India will now come with the government-developed cyber safety application 'Sanchar Saathi' pre-installed. Smartphone manufacturers such as Apple, Samsung, Vivo, Oppo and Xiaomi have been given 90 days to comply with the order.
According to officials, users will not be able to delete or disable the app. For existing devices, the app will be pushed through a software update. Although the directive has not been made public yet, it has been communicated privately to selected companies. The primary purpose of this move is to curb cyber fraud, prevent misuse of fake or duplicate IMEI numbers and help track stolen mobile phones.
Officials said the app would play a crucial role in preventing scams involving cloned IMEI numbers and reducing network misuse.
What is Sanchar Saathi App and how it helps
Sanchar Saathi is a cyber security tool launched by the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) on January 17, 2025. Currently available on the Apple App Store and Google Play Store for voluntary download, it will now become mandatory on all new devices sold in India.
The app enables users to report suspicious calls, messages or WhatsApp chats. It also offers an IMEI checking feature that helps users block their stolen or lost phones. This function is expected to significantly reduce mobile-related crimes, especially those involving duplicate IMEI numbers.
India has over 1.2 billion mobile users, the largest smartphone market in the world. However, the misuse of cloned or fake IMEI numbers has contributed to rising cybercrime. The IMEI, a unique 15-digit identification code, helps authorities track devices. Criminals often clone IMEIs to hide stolen phones, commit fraud or sell them in the black market.
The government claims that Sanchar Saathi will assist law enforcement agencies in tracing such devices more effectively. In September, the DoT reported that more than 22.76 lakh devices had already been traced using its systems.
Sources say companies were not consulted prior to the order, which has caused concern, especially for Apple, as its policies restrict pre-installation of government or third-party apps. Apple had earlier clashed with regulators over anti-spam apps. Experts believe Apple may negotiate with the government and could propose showing voluntary prompts instead.
The new rule will enhance user safety by helping them block stolen phones instantly and report fraud more easily. However, privacy groups may question the inability to delete the app. DoT believes the initiative will significantly improve telecom security with possibilities of adding advanced features like AI-based fraud detection in the future.