New Delhi, December 02, 2025
India has mandated that all smartphone manufacturers pre-install the government-backed Sanchar Saathi cybersecurity app on every new device sold in the country within 90 days of a November 28 directive, aiming to combat rising digital fraud affecting over 1.2 billion telecom subscribers.
Mandate Details
The directive applies to major smartphone brands including Apple, Samsung, Xiaomi, Vivo, and Oppo. In addition to new phones, the Sanchar Saathi app will be pushed to existing devices via mandatory software updates. The app must be prominently accessible during device setup, with core functions enabled and not subject to user disabling.
Purpose and Features of Sanchar Saathi
Sanchar Saathi functions as a digital security platform that allows users to report suspected fraud, spam calls, SMS, and malicious WhatsApp links. It enables the blocking of stolen devices by blacklisting their IMEI numbers through India’s Central Equipment Identity Register (CEIR). Users can also verify the number of mobile connections registered under their name, helping to combat identity theft and unauthorized telecom usage.
Government Justification
Indian officials cite a surge in digital fraud and related threats as the rationale for the mandate. With the country’s vast telecom subscriber base, the government views Sanchar Saathi as a “shield” to protect citizens from counterfeit devices and telecom scams through rapid reporting and response mechanisms.
Controversy and Privacy Concerns
The app’s initial design as undeletable and non-disableable has raised significant privacy and user autonomy concerns. On December 2, India’s telecom minister declared the app “completely voluntary” and stated it could be deleted, conflicting with earlier government mandates. Additionally, Apple has reportedly refused compliance over privacy and security concerns, indicating potential regulatory and market tensions. Critics have drawn parallels to Russia’s similar mandatory MAX app, which also faced privacy backlash.
Global Context and Implications
India joins a growing list of nations requiring government apps pre-installed on smartphones, highlighting a balance conflict between national cybersecurity interests and individual digital privacy rights. The measure sets a precedent for increased government involvement in device software and user data control.
The implications affect over 1.2 billion smartphone users in India, sparking a broader debate on digital rights, surveillance, and the intersection of security and freedom as mass connectivity deepens.