In a significant move to bolster mobile security, the Indian government has issued a directive requiring major smartphone manufacturers to pre-install its official cybersecurity application on all new devices sold in the country. The Ministry of Communications has privately instructed companies including Apple, Samsung, Vivo, and Oppo to bundle the Sanchar Saathi app with their handsets, making it a non-removable feature for users.
What the New Directive Mandates
As per the order reported by Reuters, smartphone makers have been given a 90-day window to comply with the new pre-installation rule. Crucially, the directive states that users cannot disable or uninstall the Sanchar Saathi app from their new devices. For phones that are already in the supply chain or with consumers, the companies must push the app via over-the-air (OTA) software updates. The government's order was not made public but was sent directly to the companies involved.
Understanding the Sanchar Saathi App
The Sanchar Saathi mobile application, available for both Android and iOS, is a powerful tool launched by the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) in January 2024. It succeeds a portal of the same name introduced in May 2023. The app is designed as a one-stop solution for citizens to report and protect themselves from mobile-related fraud and theft.
Its key features include:
- Blocking Lost/Stolen Phones: Users can block their lost or stolen devices across all telecom networks in India. Once blocked, law enforcement agencies can trace the location of the phone if it is used anywhere in the country.
- Chakshu Facility: This allows users to report fraudulent calls, SMS, or WhatsApp messages directly through the app.
- Number Verification: Users can check all mobile numbers registered under their name and report any unfamiliar or unauthorized connections.
- Know Your Mobile (KYM): A feature that lets users verify the authenticity of their smartphone, helping identify counterfeit devices.
The Drive Against Cyber Fraud and Network Misuse
The government's push for mandatory pre-installation stems from a need to combat what it terms as "serious endangerment" of telecom cybersecurity. A primary threat comes from duplicate or spoofed IMEI (International Mobile Equipment Identity) numbers, which enable various scams and network misuse. By having the Sanchar Saathi app on every device, the government aims to create a widespread, proactive shield against such crimes.
The app has already demonstrated significant impact. Since its launch, it has been downloaded over 5 million times. Government data cited by Reuters reveals that the platform has facilitated the blocking of more than 3.7 million stolen or lost mobile phones. Furthermore, it has led to the termination of a staggering over 30 million fraudulent mobile connections, showcasing its effectiveness as a tool for securing the national telecom infrastructure.
This directive marks a major step in India's digital security landscape, placing a government-backed cybersecurity tool directly into the hands of millions of new smartphone users annually. It reflects a growing trend of state-led initiatives to directly shape the digital experience and security protocols on consumer devices.
