Sanchar Saathi app

On 1 December, the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) ordered smartphone manufacturers to pre-install the Sanchar Saathi app on all new devices.

• Smartphone makers have been given:
  • 90 days to implement the directive.
  • 120 days to submit compliance reports.
• The mandate will be effective from March 2026.

Purpose of the Move

• To curb misuse of telecom resources and combat cyber fraud.
• Strengthening telecom cybersecurity and preventing:
  • Use of duplicate/spoofed IMEI numbers.
  • Fraudulent mobile connections and devices used for crimes.

About Sanchar Saathi App (Launched 2023)

• A government portal + app with multiple security features:
  • Report suspicious calls.
  • Identify all numbers linked to a user’s identity.
  • Block stolen or lost devices by using IMEI:
    • DoT then instructs telecom operators to bar that device from all networks.
    • Enables law enforcement to trace the blocked device if activated anywhere in India.
  • Check mobile connections registered in one’s name and report unauthorised ones.
  • Chakshu facility: report fraudulent calls, SMS, or WhatsApp messages.

Controversy & Pushback

• Digital rights groups criticise the order, calling it:
  • Over-broad,
  • Privacy-intrusive, and
  • A potential step toward government overreach in telecom surveillance.
• Concerns around converting a voluntary app into a mandatory pre-installed one.

Amendment to Telecom Cyber Security Rules, 2024

• Issued in November.
• Expanded definition of telecommunications.
• Introduced Telecommunication Identifier User Entity (TIUE):
  • Any firm using a phone number to identify users.
  • Coverage extends from smartphones to apps like WhatsApp.

Related DoT Order for Messaging Apps

• Separate directive (last week) mandates:
  • Web-based sessions of WhatsApp and similar platforms must auto-logout every 6 hours.
  • WhatsApp account must stop working if the device does not contain the SIM used for registration.