The Indian government is preparing a major policy change that could impact every new smartphone sold across the country. According to a new directive, all upcoming devices may soon ship with the Sanchar Saathi cyber-safety app pre-installed and users may not be able to uninstall it.
Sanchar Saathi Could Become Mandatory
A report from Reuters reveals that the order covers all major smartphone brands, including Apple, Samsung, Xiaomi, Vivo, and Oppo. Manufacturers have been given a 90-day deadline to begin preloading the Sanchar Saathi app (available on both Android and iOS) on their upcoming models.
Even phones that are already stocked in stores or warehouses will reportedly receive the app through a software update, and early indications suggest it may not be removable.
For those unfamiliar, Sanchar Saathi is a government-backed cyber-security tool designed to help users:
- Block or disable lost or stolen smartphones
- Verify the authenticity of an IMEI number
- Report suspicious or fraudulent mobile numbers
The government claims the app has already enabled the recovery of over 700,000 lost devices and helped block more than 30 million fake or suspicious mobile connections this year alone.
The directive has raised concerns within the smartphone industry particularly for Apple, which traditionally restricts preloading of third-party or government apps on its devices. Manufacturers are now figuring out how to comply with the rule or whether they should request the government to ease the requirement.
For consumers, Sanchar Saathi could strengthen protection against mobile fraud, but the mandatory installation also brings up new questions around privacy, user control, and digital freedom.
What are your thoughts on the government potentially making the Sanchar Saathi app mandatory on all new smartphones? Let us know in the comments below!
FAQ
Sanchar Saathi is a government-developed cyber-safety app that helps users block lost phones, verify IMEI numbers, and report fraudulent mobile connections.
According to reports, the government may require all new smartphones to come with the app pre-installed and non-removable.
The mandate covers major brands like Apple, Samsung, Xiaomi, Vivo, Oppo, and others selling phones in India.
Yes. Devices already in stores or warehouses may receive the app via a software update.
The government says the app improves user safety and has already helped recover stolen devices and block millions of fake connections.
