India Mandates Sanchar Saathi App Pre-installed on All New Mobile Phones

India’s government has recently made a significant move in the fight against cybercrimes by mandating that all mobile phones must come pre-installed with the Sanchar Saathi app. This government-developed app, which translates to ‘Communication Companion,’ empowers users to tackle various cybersecurity issues, such as reporting suspicious calls, blocking stolen devices, and verifying International Mobile Equipment Identity (IMEI) numbers. The directive, issued last week, provides smartphone manufacturers with 90 days to comply, ensuring the app is pre-installed on all new devices while also making certain that users cannot disable it. Furthermore, devices already in the supply chain must receive the app via software updates.

Enhancing Cybersecurity Through Sanchar Saathi

The introduction of Sanchar Saathi underscores the Indian government’s commitment to enhancing cybersecurity across its massive mobile market. This app offers users several functionalities beyond basic security measures. For instance, it allows subscribers to check how many mobile connections are registered under their name and to report any unauthorized connections. By addressing issues such as spoofed or duplicate IMEI numbers—often exploited in scams and fraud—the app plays a crucial role in reducing network misuse and strengthening user safety.

Mixed Reactions from Smartphone Manufacturers

However, this decision has not come without its challenges. Major smartphone manufacturers like Apple are reportedly displeased with the new directive, citing potential conflicts with their internal app policies. Apple, for instance, typically prohibits the pre-installation of government or third-party apps on its devices before sale, although the company does pre-load its proprietary applications. This is not the first time Apple has clashed with Indian telecom authorities; previous disagreements arose during discussions involving a government anti-spam application. The lack of prior consultation with smartphone companies has also raised concerns within the industry.

Impressive Success: Millions of Devices Protected

Despite the controversy among device makers, Sanchar Saathi has already delivered impressive results. According to government data, the app has been instrumental in blocking more than 3.7 million stolen or lost mobile phones, while over 30 million fraudulent mobile connections have been terminated. Additionally, since January 2023 alone, the app has aided in recovering more than 700,000 stolen devices. These figures highlight the need for more widespread adoption of the app, especially in a country with over 1.2 billion mobile subscribers. With the mandatory inclusion of Sanchar Saathi on all new smartphones, the Indian government aims to significantly enhance its reach and impact.

The Future of Cybersecurity in India’s Mobile Market

The mandatory pre-installation of Sanchar Saathi represents a turning point in India’s digital infrastructure. By embedding cybersecurity tools directly into mobile devices, the government seeks to combat not only theft and fraud but also lay a foundation for a more secure mobile ecosystem. While manufacturers may face challenges in conforming to this order, the long-term benefits for India’s mobile users are undeniable. As the implementation period unfolds, it will be interesting to see whether other countries adopt similar measures and how the app further evolves to address emerging cybersecurity threats.