The Indian government's Department of Telecommunications (DoT) has mandated that all new smartphones manufactured or imported for sale in India must have the 'Sanchar Saathi' app pre-installed.
The primary reason for this decision is to strengthen telecom cybersecurity and protect citizens from digital fraud, theft, and misuse of telecom resources.
🎯 Key Reasons for Mandatory Pre-Installation
The government frames this move as a crucial consumer protection and security measure:
Combatting Cyber Fraud and Scams
The app allows users to report suspected fraud communications (like impersonation, phishing, and scam calls/SMS) using its 'Chakshu' feature, helping the DoT analyze patterns and take action against fraudulent numbers.
Tracking and Blocking Stolen/Lost Phones
Sanchar Saathi is central to the Central Equipment Identity Register (CEIR) system. It enables users to easily block a lost or stolen mobile phone using its unique IMEI number. Once blocked, the device becomes unusable across all Indian telecom networks, even if the SIM is changed, thereby deterring theft.
Verifying Device Genuineness and IMEI Tampering
The app allows buyers to check the authenticity of a handset by verifying its IMEI number against a central database. This is essential to prevent citizens from purchasing non-genuine, counterfeit, or blacklisted devices, especially in the large second-hand mobile market.
Duplicate or spoofed IMEI numbers pose a serious threat to telecom cybersecurity, making it difficult to trace and act against criminals. The app helps curb this issue.
Detecting Unauthorized Mobile Connections
Users can use the app to check how many mobile connections (SIMs) are registered under their name. This helps in identifying and reporting any unauthorized or fraudulent SIM cards issued using their identity documents.
⚠️ Manufacturer and User Requirements
Mandate for Manufacturers: Mobile phone manufacturers and importers have been directed to pre-install the app within 90 days of the order and ensure it is readily visible and functional during the first use or device setup.
User Option (Clarification): Following concerns over privacy and surveillance, the Telecom Minister, Jyotiraditya Scindia, clarified that while pre-installation by manufacturers is mandatory, using and registering the app is optional for the user. Users are also free to uninstall or delete the app if they do not wish to use its services.