Alfaaz- The Words
Srinagar: The Union Government has mandated that all mobile phone manufacturers and importers pre-install the Sanchar Saathi application on every handset manufactured or imported for sale in India, citing strengthened telecom cyber security requirements.
The directive, issued by the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) under the amended Telecom Cyber Security Rules, 2024, comes amid rising concerns over duplicate and spoofed IMEI numbers in circulation.
According to the communication, companies have 90 days from November 28 to ensure the Sanchar Saathi app is pre-loaded on all devices intended for the Indian market. The app must remain visible, accessible, and functional during initial device setup, with its features neither restricted nor disabled.
For handsets already manufactured and in sales channels, companies must push the app via software updates. Manufacturers and importers are required to submit compliance reports within 120 days.
The directive warns that non-compliance will attract action under the Telecommunications Act, 2023, the Cyber Security Rules, and other applicable laws. The order has come into immediate effect and will remain operative until amended or withdrawn.
What Is Sanchar Saathi?
Sanchar Saathi is a digital safety initiative of the Union Government, offering multiple citizen-centric services through a mobile app and a web portal.
Its key feature Chakshu allows users to report Suspected cyber fraud, Fraudulent or commercial spam calls, Malicious links, Phishing attempts, and Device cloning threats.
Fraudulent communication received via SMS, RCS, iMessage, WhatsApp, Telegram, and other platforms.
According to the official website, Chakshu helps prevent misuse of telecom resources for cybercrime and financial fraud. Sanchar Saathi has so far been used to block 42 lakh stolen phones and helped recover 7 lakh devices. The app has crossed 1 crore downloads on Android and nearly 10 lakh on iOS.
Political Row Erupts
The Centre’s directive has triggered a sharp political backlash.
Congress General Secretary KC Venugopal called the move “beyond unconstitutional,” arguing it infringes on the Right to Privacy under Article 21.
“Big Brother cannot watch us… A pre-loaded government app that cannot be uninstalled is a dystopian tool to monitor every Indian. It is meant to watch every movement, interaction, and decision of citizens. We demand an immediate rollback,” he stated on X.
Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Priyanka Chaturvedi likened the directive to “another BIG BOSS surveillance moment.” She warned of widespread opposition, calling the move a “shady way to get into individual phones” and criticised the government for prioritising surveillance systems over robust grievance redressal mechanisms.
Industry Concerns and Possible Resistance
A Reuters report suggests the mandate may lead to confrontation with global smartphone giants especially Apple, which has opposed similar directives in the past, citing risks to privacy and device integrity.
Apple, Samsung, Xiaomi, and the Communications Ministry did not respond to Reuters queries on the order.
Two industry sources told Reuters the government did not consult manufacturers before issuing the directive, leaving companies concerned about implementation timelines and technical challenges.
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