In a significant move aimed at strengthening mobile phone and data security, the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) has issued a directive requiring all original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) and importers to pre-install the Sanchar Saathi app on every new mobile handset manufactured or imported for sale in India. The directive, which applies to major smartphone makers including Apple, Oppo, Vivo, Xiaomi, and Samsung, gives manufacturers a 90-day window to comply.

The DoT has stipulated that the app must be visible at first use on all devices, and its core functionalities cannot be disabled, ensuring that users can access its features immediately upon setting up their phone. The directive also clarified that concerns circulating about the app being non-removable are baseless, with a DoT official emphasizing that the app can be deleted if the user chooses.

Sanchar Saathi: Features and Purpose

Launched in May 2023, the Sanchar Saathi app is designed as a one-stop portal for mobile security and fraud prevention. Among its key functionalities, the app allows users to:

• Report and block lost or stolen mobile phones.
• Verify mobile numbers issued in their name.
• Access trusted contact details of banks and financial institutions.
• Detect malicious web links and suspicious communications.
• Check the authenticity of mobile handsets.

Unlike the existing website portal, the app does not require OTP verification, allowing faster reporting. This feature is intended to save crucial time in fraud cases, where delays can result in substantial financial losses. DoT officials noted that in the past three to four years, cyber fraud has caused losses of nearly ₹35,000 crore in India, highlighting the urgency of implementing the app widely.

Ease of Use for Citizens

A DoT official explained that one of the motivations for pre-installing the app is to simplify the process of reporting mobile fraud. “Right now, reporting time varies because users have to go to the website to report fraud or stolen mobile phones,” the official said. With the app readily available on the device, citizens no longer need to remember IMEI numbers or navigate web portals. The app is “advanced enough” to enable users to report lost phones quickly, reducing the burden on citizens while enhancing the speed and effectiveness of fraud prevention measures.

Compliance and Enforcement

The directive applies to both locally manufactured phones and imported handsets, requiring OEMs to integrate the app into devices before sale. Manufacturers have been given a 90-day window to ensure all new devices comply with the mandate. The DoT has called for full cooperation from OEMs in implementing the directive, emphasizing its critical role in improving mobile security across the country.

Public Reception and Clarifications

The government has proactively addressed concerns about privacy and control, reiterating that the Sanchar Saathi app is not mandatory to retain and can be uninstalled by the user. The focus of the mandate is to ensure immediate accessibility of the app for first-time users, particularly in situations involving mobile theft or cyber fraud.

By requiring pre-installation of Sanchar Saathi, the government aims to create a robust, standardized framework for mobile fraud reporting and verification. This move is part of a broader national initiative to enhance digital security and protect citizens from cybercrime, in line with India’s growing dependence on smartphones for financial and personal transactions.

The pre-installed app is expected to streamline fraud reporting, reduce response times, and empower citizens with tools to verify mobile connections and devices easily. As cyber threats continue to grow, officials believe the Sanchar Saathi app will serve as an essential layer of protection for Indian mobile users, ensuring that preventive and corrective actions can be taken swiftly.

With the directive in effect, all new mobile devices sold in India will soon come equipped with Sanchar Saathi, marking a significant step in the government’s efforts to make digital transactions safer and reduce losses due to mobile-related cyber fraud.