India has announced a major decision that will impact every new smartphone sold in the country. The government has made it mandatory for all new devices to come pre-installed with the Sanchar Saathi app. This app is designed to protect users from mobile fraud, stolen phones, and identity misuse. Phone manufacturers have been given a 90-day deadline to follow the new order. Companies will need to ensure that the app is visible when the user switches on the device for the first time. Existing phones may also receive the app through software updates. The main goal is to strengthen mobile safety and reduce the number of digital crimes happening across the country.
What Sanchar Saathi Offers to Users
Sanchar Saathi is a digital safety tool created by the Department of Telecommunications. It aims to give people more control over their phones and their identity. The app helps users check if their phone is genuine. It can detect if the IMEI number is fake, cloned, or linked to a stolen device. This feature is extremely useful in India’s large second-hand mobile market, where many people unknowingly buy tampered phones.
If a phone is lost or stolen, the app allows users to block it quickly. This makes it difficult for thieves to use the device or sell it. The app also shows the number of mobile connections registered under a person’s name. Many people discover that unknown SIM cards are linked to their identity. With this app, they can report and remove them. It also provides a simple way to report scam calls and fraudulent messages. The app even displays verified contact numbers of banks and trusted institutions. This helps people avoid fake customer-care scams that trap thousands of users every year.
Growing Concerns Over Privacy and User Choice
Even though the app offers many benefits, the decision to make it mandatory has raised concerns. Several experts believe that forcing an app on every phone reduces the user’s freedom of choice. Many users prefer to decide what apps they want on their own devices. There are also worries about privacy. Critics argue that a government app installed on all phones could lead to increased tracking and monitoring. People want clear information about what data the app collects and how that data is stored and used.
Some global smartphone manufacturers may not agree with the mandate either, as they have strict policies against pre-installing government apps. They may seek clarifications or request exemptions. Privacy groups are also expected to raise questions and ask for transparency. The debate around user rights, digital privacy, and security is growing stronger.
What This Means for Smartphone Users in India
For everyday users, this new rule means that future smartphones will come with a built-in security assistant. When people buy a new phone, they will find the Sanchar Saathi app already installed. The app is simple to understand, even for beginners. It acts like a digital guard that alerts users about risks, fake phones, or identity misuse.
Many users may appreciate this extra protection, especially those who often receive scam calls or messages. For others who value privacy, the move may feel intrusive. The government’s next steps will decide how the public responds to this change. Transparency about data use and strong privacy safeguards will be crucial. If implemented well, Sanchar Saathi can help millions stay safer in the digital world. If not handled carefully, the policy may lead to confusion, criticism, and mistrust among users.