In a major step aimed at strengthening telecom cybersecurity, the Government of India has mandated the pre-installation of the Sanchar Saathi app on every new smartphone manufactured or imported for sale in the country. While the government claims the app will help control cyber frauds and fake handsets, critics say it could compromise citizens’ Right to Privacy.

This article combines reports from HT, India Today, Business Today, and Mint, presenting a single, well-structured and factual breakdown of everything you must know.

1. What Is the Sanchar Saathi App?

Sanchar Saathi is a government-developed portal and mobile app launched in May 2023 to help users secure their mobile devices. Its key features include:

• Reporting and blocking lost or stolen phones
• Checking IMEI authenticity
• Viewing all mobile connections linked to your ID
• Reporting spam calls, suspicious messages, and fraud links
• Identifying genuine vs. tampered phones

The system is powered by CEIR (Central Equipment Identity Register), which blocks phones across all telecom networks.

Also Read: Arattai App Review 2025: The “Made in India” Chat App Challenging WhatsApp’s Dominance

2. Why Has the Government Made the Sanchar Saathi App Mandatory?

According to the Department of Telecommunications (DoT), the mandate aims to:

• Reduce the sale of fake, cloned, or spoofed IMEI devices
• Make fraud reporting easier and faster
• Enhance telecom cybersecurity
• Prevent the resale of blacklisted or stolen phones
• Improve tracking and recovery of devices

Government data shows:

3. What Does the Mandate Require Phone Manufacturers to Do?

Under the Telecom Cyber Security Rules, 2024, manufacturers like Apple, Samsung, Vivo, Oppo, and Xiaomi must:

1. Pre-install Sanchar Saathi on all new devices.
2. Make sure it is visible during device setup.
3. Ensure the app cannot be disabled or restricted.
4. Push the app via software updates for older devices already in the market.

Timeline:

• 90 days to implement
• 120 days to submit a compliance report

4. Why Is There Public and Political Opposition?

This mandate has triggered strong criticism from political leaders and privacy advocates.

4.1 Congress calls it “unconstitutional”

Congress General Secretary KC Venugopal stated:

• The app is a “dystopian tool to monitor every Indian.”
• It violates Article 21 (Right to Privacy).
• A government app that cannot be uninstalled is a surveillance mechanism.

4.2 Shiv Sena MP calls it “Big Boss surveillance moment”

Priyanka Chaturvedi said the move bypasses privacy norms and may receive public pushback.

4.3 Netizens voice concerns

Social media reactions highlight:

• Fears of government intrusion into personal devices
• Doubts about data collection (call logs, messages, camera access)
• Worries about India heading toward a “digital surveillance state”

5. How Does the Sanchar Saathi App Work?

Sanchar Saathi connects your phone’s IMEI with the CEIR database. Key functions include:

• Blocking stolen phones across all telecom networks
• Identifying unauthorized SIMs linked to your ID
• Reporting suspicious communication
• Verifying if a device is genuine or tampered

This mechanism has already stopped thousands of fraudulent IMEI cases.

6. What Is the Core Controversy?

Supporters Say:

• It protects users from fraud and cloned devices
• Helps curb cybercrime
• Allows quicker recovery of lost phones
• Ensures safer telecom usage

Critics Say:

• Mandatory installation violates user choice
• App permissions may allow government access to private data
• Sets a precedent similar to authoritarian surveillance models
• Could weaken trust between users and telecom authorities

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• Google Cloud CEO Thomas Kurian Says: “AI Will Amplify Human Potential, Not Replace Tech Jobs”
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FAQs – Sanchar Saathi App

Sources

• Hindustan Times
• India Today
• Business Today
• Mint / LiveMint

Disclaimer

This article is for informational purposes only. All data and statements are based on publicly available government releases and trusted media reports. Users should verify critical information from official sources before taking action.

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Hi, I’m Simran Shah, a graphic designer and digital content creator with 4+ years of experience. I run two YouTube channels focused on AI, tech, mobiles, and automobiles — topics I’m truly passionate about.
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