In a significant move aimed at enhancing cybersecurity and preventing digital fraud, the Indian government has directed all smartphone manufacturers and importers to pre-install the government-developed Sanchar Saathi app on every new mobile device sold in the country. The directive, issued by the Department of Telecommunications (DoT), applies to both locally manufactured and imported handsets.
The app must be present, visible, enabled, and functional from the moment the device is first switched on. Users will not be able to delete or disable the application. Additionally, for phones that are already manufactured or are in distribution channels, companies have been instructed to install the app via software updates.
Manufacturers have been given a period of 90 days to complete the pre-installation process and must provide full compliance documentation to the government within 120 days.
Sanchar Saathi is intended to help mobile users verify phone IMEI authenticity, report stolen or lost devices, block fraudulent numbers, and combat identity misuse. The government claims that this initiative is aimed at protecting consumers and strengthening the security framework of India’s telecom ecosystem.
However, the directive has sparked debate over privacy and user consent. Industry observers and digital rights advocates have expressed concerns regarding a government-mandated, undeletable app embedded in every smartphone, arguing it raises potential risks around personal data control and surveillance.
Despite these concerns, the government maintains that the measure is necessary for public safety and to curb the circulation of non-genuine devices in the Indian market.