What Is Sanchar Saathi? Govt Mandates Pre-Installed Cyber Safety App on All New Phones

What Is Sanchar Saathi? Govt Mandates Pre-Installed Cyber Safety App on All New Phones: The Indian government has taken a major step to strengthen digital security by making the Sanchar Saathi app mandatory on every new smartphone sold in the country. Whether you buy a new Android or an iPhone, the app will now come pre-installed — and you won’t be able to delete it.

But what exactly is Sanchar Saathi? Why is it being forced on all smartphone manufacturers? And what does this app really do?

Let’s break it down.

Table of Contents

📱 What Is Sanchar Saathi?

Sanchar Saathi is a cybersecurity and telecom-safety platform developed by the Department of Telecommunications (DoT). It was initially launched as a web portal and later introduced as a mobile app for Android and iOS.

Its purpose is simple:
to protect citizens from mobile theft, SIM fraud, fake IMEI devices, and telecom-related scams.

🛠️ Key Features of the Sanchar Saathi App

The app offers several powerful tools that help users secure their mobile identity, devices, and connections:

✔ 1. Verify Mobile IMEI (Know Your Mobile)

Check whether your device’s IMEI is original or cloned. This helps consumers avoid buying fake or illegally modified smartphones.

✔ 2. Report & Block Lost/Stolen Phones

Users can instantly report a lost or stolen phone through the app. Once reported, the phone gets blocked across all Indian mobile networks, making it useless for thieves.

✔ 3. Report Fraudulent Calls & Messages

If you receive scam calls, phishing SMS, fake links, or suspicious numbers, you can flag them directly in the app.

✔ 4. Check All Mobile Numbers Linked to Your ID

Many citizens are unaware that unauthorized SIM cards may be issued using their identity.
Sanchar Saathi helps you see all phone numbers registered under your name and report any unknown ones.

🏛️ Govt Makes It Mandatory — What Has Changed?

On 28 November 2025, the Indian government issued an order requiring all smartphone manufacturers and importers to:

Pre-install the Sanchar Saathi app on every new device
Ensure the app cannot be uninstalled by users
Push the app via software update to phones already in stock
Implement the order within 90 days

This rule applies to big brands like Apple, Samsung, Xiaomi, Vivo, and all others selling devices in India.

The government says this move will:

Curb mobile theft
Prevent IMEI cloning
Reduce SIM-based fraud
Strengthen national cyber safety

⚠️ Concerns & Criticism

While the app aims to enhance security, it has also raised major privacy questions:

❗ 1. User Consent Issues

Since users cannot uninstall the app, experts worry this bypasses user choice and sets a worrying precedent.

❗ 2. Apple & Other OEMs Are Uncomfortable

Companies known for tight control over their software ecosystems may resist a government-mandated non-removable app.

❗ 3. Surveillance Concerns

Some critics say forcing a government app on every device could lead to monitoring or excessive data collection in the future.

💡 What This Means for You

If you buy a new smartphone, it will already have Sanchar Saathi installed.
You cannot remove the app.
If you already own a phone, you might get the app automatically through a software update.
The features—IMEI verification, stolen phone blocking, SIM tracking—can actually be helpful for everyday users.

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