The Indian government has reportedly sent a private directive to all major smartphone manufacturers, instructing them to pre-install the state-owned cybersecurity application, ‘Sanchar Saathi,’ on every new mobile device sold in the country. The crucial point of this new order is that the app must be non-deletable and cannot be disabled by the user, effectively making it a permanent feature on all smartphones from leading brands like Apple, Samsung, Xiaomi, and others.
The order, reportedly dated November 28, gives the companies a strict deadline of 90 days to implement the mandatory pre-installation. For devices already in the distribution network or supply chain, the government has asked manufacturers to push the app to these phones through a mandatory software update. This move is part of the Department of Telecommunications (DoT)’s broader strategy to combat rising cyber fraud, tackle mobile phone theft, and prevent the misuse of cloned or fake IMEI numbers. The government states that the app is essential to counter the “serious endangerment” posed by these illegal activities to the country’s telecom security.
The Sanchar Saathi app, which was launched earlier this year, is a citizen-centric tool designed to empower users against mobile-related crimes. Its key features allow users to report suspected fraudulent calls and messages, check the number of mobile connections registered in their name, and, most importantly, block and track lost or stolen phones using their unique IMEI number through a central government registry. Government data shows the app has already been successful, helping to recover over 7 lakh lost or stolen phones and blocking millions of fraudulent connections since its launch.
However, the directive is expected to face resistance from global manufacturers, particularly Apple, whose internal company policies generally prohibit the mandatory pre-installation of any non-proprietary or third-party apps before the sale of a new smartphone. Digital privacy advocates have also raised concerns, arguing that a non-deletable, state-backed application on every device reduces user choice and raises potential questions about digital freedom and data access. The government and the smartphone companies involved have not yet issued a public statement regarding the private order.
Deputy Editor, Prime Post
With an illustrious career spanning 29 years in the dynamic field of journalism, Anand Gantela is a seasoned professional who has made significant contributions to both print and electronic media. His wealth of experience reflects a deep understanding of the ever-evolving landscape of news reporting.
