India’s government has ordered all smartphone makers to pre-install the Sanchar Saathi app on new devices to fight telecom fraud and boost cybersecurity. This rule, issued on November 28, 2025, gives companies 90 days to comply and aims to protect over 1.2 billion mobile users from scams, stolen phones, and fake device IDs.
What Is the Sanchar Saathi App?
The Sanchar Saathi app serves as a key tool for Indian mobile users to report fraud and manage device security. Launched in January 2025, it lets people block lost or stolen phones, check connections linked to their name, and flag spam calls or messages.
Users can report suspicious international calls that mimic local numbers, which often come from illegal setups abroad. This helps stop financial scams and protects national security. The app works on Android and iOS, with over 11 million downloads so far.
Government data shows it has recovered more than 700,000 lost devices since launch. In October 2025 alone, it helped find 50,000 phones. Authorities say these features cut down on fraud by blocking fake IMEI numbers and terminating bad connections.
Why the Pre-Installation Mandate?
India faces growing telecom threats, including spoofed device IDs and scam networks that exploit mobile connections. With 1.2 billion subscribers, the country is a prime target for cybercriminals using tricks like SIM boxing to hide illegal activities.
The Department of Telecommunications issued the order to ensure every new phone comes with the app ready to use. This move builds on the app’s success in tracing 3 lakh lost phones and blocking 57 lakh suspicious SIM cards in recent years.
Officials point to rising cyber fraud cases, where scammers pose as trusted callers to steal money. By making the app undeletable, the government wants faster reporting and better device verification across the nation.
Experts note that similar mandates have worked in other sectors, like mandatory safety features in cars. This could reduce telecom fraud by 20 to 30 percent in the next year, based on early app results.
Key Features and Benefits for Users
The app offers simple tools that empower everyday people to stay safe. It connects to a central registry for quick action on reports.
Here are some main features:
- Report spam calls, SMS, or WhatsApp messages in seconds.
- Block stolen phones using IMEI to stop reuse.
- Check and disconnect unauthorized SIMs linked to your ID.
- Flag fake international calls that look like local ones.
These options have led to over 30 million fraudulent connections being shut down. Users in states like Andhra Pradesh and Maharashtra have downloaded it the most, showing strong adoption where fraud hits hard.
Beyond security, the app helps recover valuables. One user story shared widely involved a Mumbai resident getting back a phone lost during travel, thanks to quick blocking and tracing.
Impact on Smartphone Makers and Market
Major brands like Apple, Samsung, and local players must update their devices, including those already in stores, via software pushes. This could raise costs for compliance and testing.
Apple might push back, as it has in other countries over app rules that limit user control. Indian makers worry about delays in launches, but the 90-day window gives time to adjust.
The mandate affects a market with over 1 billion smartphones in use. It aligns with India’s push for digital security, similar to recent laws on data protection.
| Aspect | Details | Expected Impact |
|---|---|---|
| Compliance Timeline | 90 days from November 28, 2025 | All new phones by late February 2026 |
| Affected Companies | Apple, Samsung, Xiaomi, Vivo, Oppo, OnePlus | Software updates and pre-installs required |
| User Base | 1.2 billion mobile subscribers | Broader fraud protection |
| Penalties | Strict fines for non-compliance | Ensures quick rollout |
This table highlights how the change ripples through the industry. Smaller firms might struggle more, but overall, it strengthens India’s telecom framework.
Privacy Concerns and Criticisms
Not everyone supports the mandate. Opposition parties, including Congress, call it unconstitutional and a privacy risk. They argue that an undeletable government app could track users without consent.
Critics compare it to surveillance tools in other nations, fearing data misuse. Privacy advocates say it gives too much power to authorities over personal devices.
On the flip side, supporters claim the app only collects needed info for fraud reports, with strong safeguards. Recent debates in parliament echo global worries about tech and privacy, like Europe’s GDPR rules.
Balanced views suggest users gain more from fraud protection than they lose in privacy. Still, calls for independent audits grow to ensure transparency.
Global Context and Similar Moves
India’s step mirrors actions in Russia, where a mandatory app called MAX tracks devices for security. Russia restricted apps like WhatsApp in 2025 to fight crime, but faced backlash over tracking claims.
Other countries, like China, require pre-installed software for network control. In the US, voluntary apps help with fraud, but nothing mandatory yet.
This trend shows governments worldwide stepping up against cyber threats. India’s mandate could inspire similar rules in Asia, where telecom scams cost billions yearly.
As digital economies grow, balancing security and freedom remains key. Experts predict more nations will follow if India’s app reduces fraud without major issues.
What Happens Next?
The rollout starts soon, with full enforcement by early 2026. Users should watch for updates on their phones and learn the app’s tools to stay protected.
This could set a new standard for mobile security in large markets. If successful, it might expand to other apps or features.
What do you think about this mandate? Share your views in the comments and spread the word to help others understand the changes.
