Key points
- Sanchar Saathi app combats cybercrime and phone fraud
- Apple and privacy advocates concerned over mandatory app installation
- Over 700,000 lost phones recovered via Sanchar Saathi
BENGALURU: India’s telecoms ministry has privately instructed smartphone manufacturers to pre-install a state-owned cybersecurity app, Sanchar Saathi, on all new devices, with the app being non-removable.
This move aims to address the rising cases of cybercrime and fraud. The government has given manufacturers 90 days to comply with the order, which also mandates that the app be pushed to devices already in the supply chain via software updates, reports Reuters.
The order, dated November 28, has raised concerns among privacy advocates and tech companies like Apple, Samsung, Vivo, Oppo, and Xiaomi. Apple, in particular, has had past disputes with the telecoms regulator over similar app requirements, notably regarding an anti-spam app. India’s move mirrors actions taken by other countries, including Russia, which also enforced similar pre-installation rules.
Sanchar Saathi
Sanchar Saathi, launched in January, has helped recover over 700,000 lost phones, including 50,000 in October alone. The app aims to combat telecom cybersecurity threats, including fraud and misuse related to duplicate or spoofed IMEI numbers. Privacy experts, however, argue that the app’s mandatory pre-installation removes user consent.
India, with over 1.2 billion subscribers, has seen significant success with the app, blocking over 3.7 million stolen phones and terminating 30 million fraudulent connections.
However, the move could face resistance from companies like Apple, which has historically refused similar requests, citing internal policies that prohibit pre-installing third-party or government apps. Apple may seek a compromise, such as offering users the option to install the app instead of making it mandatory.
The app’s central registry helps track, block, and prevent fraudulent connections, as well as aid in locating lost or stolen devices, contributing to the fight against counterfeit phones and cyber threats.
