In a major move aimed at strengthening digital security, the Government of India has made it mandatory for all new smartphones sold in the country to come pre-installed with the Sanchar Saathi app. The directive, issued by the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) on 28 November 2025, applies to every smartphone manufacturer—from budget brands to global giants like Apple and Samsung.
The mandate has sparked both praise and concern across India’s tech and privacy community. Here’s a full breakdown of what the new rule means, why the government introduced it, and why critics are raising red flags.
What Is Sanchar Saathi?
Sanchar Saathi is a government-backed cybersecurity and telecom safety app designed to help citizens fight mobile-related fraud.
The app includes features like:
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Blocking or tracking lost or stolen phones using IMEI numbers
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Checking if a handset is genuine or fake
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Viewing all mobile numbers registered under your name
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Reporting suspicious calls, SMS, and WhatsApp messages
According to government data, the platform has already helped block millions of stolen phones and identify thousands of fake SIM connections.
The New Mandate: Key Points
Under the new DoT rules:
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All new smartphones must include Sanchar Saathi at the time of manufacturing.
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Manufacturers have 90 days to comply.
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Phones already manufactured but not yet sold must receive the app through a software update.
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The app cannot be removed or disabled by users.
This effectively makes Sanchar Saathi a permanent, government-backed utility on every new device.
Why the Government Introduced This Rule
The DoT says the move is meant to boost user safety amid rising concerns about:
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Mobile theft and misuse of lost devices
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Fraud involving fake or cloned IMEI phones
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Increasing cases of spam, scam calls, and cyber fraud
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The need for a unified national system to report suspicious communications
India currently has over a billion mobile subscribers, making telecom fraud a serious national issue. Officials say a universal app will help make the system more secure for all users.
Why the Mandate Is Controversial
Not everyone is convinced.
Privacy Concerns
Experts and digital-rights groups warn that a non-removable, government-controlled app raises serious questions, such as:
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What data the app can access
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How securely that data will be stored
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Whether the app could be used for surveillance
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Lack of user consent
Industry Pushback
Tech companies—especially Apple, which resists preloading third-party apps—are concerned about:
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Platform security
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User experience
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Regulatory overreach
This could lead to friction between the government and global smartphone brands.
User Choice
Many users feel uneasy about an app they didn’t choose and cannot delete on a device they paid for.
What This Means for You
If you plan to buy a new smartphone in India:
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The device will come with Sanchar Saathi installed.
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You cannot uninstall the app.
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You can use it to track your phone, check SIMs in your name, and report fraud.
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Your phone may ask for additional permissions linked to telecom identity verification.
Whether this is seen as added security or reduced freedom depends on the user.
Final Take
The Sanchar Saathi mandate signals a new phase in India’s approach to cybersecurity—one that prioritizes centralized control and citizen protection. While the intention is to curb fraud and protect users, the policy raises important questions about privacy, transparency, and digital autonomy.
As the 90-day countdown begins, all eyes are now on smartphone manufacturers, privacy advocates, and the government’s next steps.
