Centre Directs Smartphone Makers To Pre-Install Cybersecurity App Sanchar Saathi On Devices

India’s telecoms ministry has privately asked smartphone makers to pre-install a state-owned cybersecurity app, called Sanchar Saathi, on all devices and that users will be able to neither delete it nor disable it, according to a government order.

The app allows users to report fraudulent calls and messages. The Department of Telecommunications (DoT) has insisted that all new devices sold by the manufacturers come pre-installed with the Sanchar Saathi application, and a software update to be issued to phones that have already been sold with the application made available with it, according to a report by The Indian Express.

The order will impact manufacturers like Apple, Samsung, Xiaomi, Oppo, and Vivo, among others, and all smartphone makers

have been given a timeline of three months to ensure that the app is pre-installed on all new devices. However, industry experts are expecting a pushback against the order.

What Is Centre’s Plan?

India is joining authorities worldwide to frame rules blocking the use of stolen phones for fraud or promoting state-backed government service apps to tackle a recent surge of cybercrime and hacking, according to Reuters. This followed a similar move by Russia in August for a state-backed messenger app called MAX to be pre-installed on phones.

A senior government official told The Indian Express that the directive is part of a broader strategy to “strengthen cybersecurity and anti-spam measures”, which also includes a recent directive by the DoT to platforms like WhatsApp and Telegram to implemented SIM binding – meaning they will not be able to run without a SIM card.

What Is The Sanchar Saathi App?

The Sanchar Saathi app was launched on January 17, 2025, and crossed 50 lakh downloads as of August 2025. According to an official government release, the app has helped in the recovery of more than 7 lakh stolen or lost mobile phones across the country till October.

The Department of Telecommunications (DoT) introduced the Sanchar Saathi mobile app that brings robust security features and fraud-reporting capabilities directly to users’ smartphones. It allows the tracking and blocking of lost or stolen mobile phones anywhere in India based on the International Mobile Equipment Identity (IMEI) of the phones.

Additionally, it assists police authorities in tracing stolen or lost devices, prevents counterfeit phones from entering the black market, and blocks attempts at device cloning. It also enables users to report suspected fraud communications via calls, SMS, or WhatsApp – especially KYC-updating scams. It is available on the Google Play Store and Apple’s App Store, but users have a choice to install it on their phones.

Will Apple Oppose Govt Order?

Apple, which has previously locked horns with the telecoms regulator over development of a government anti-spam mobile app, is expected to push back against the order. While Apple pre-installs its own proprietary apps on phones, its internal policies prohibit installation of any government or third-party app before sale of a smartphone, a source with direct knowledge of the matter told Reuters.

“Apple has historically refused such requests from governments,” said Tarun Pathak, a research director at Counterpoint. “It’s likely to seek a middle ground: instead of a mandatory pre-install, they might negotiate and ask for an option to nudge users towards installing the app.”