The Sanchar Saathi app is a government initiative by India’s Department of Telecommunications (DoT) designed to enhance mobile security, prevent fraud, and empower telecom subscribers. Recently, it has become controversial because the government has directed smartphone makers to pre-install it on all new devices.
What is Sanchar Saathi?
- Launched by DoT as a citizen-centric cybersecurity app.
- Available on Android (Google Play) and iOS (App Store), as well as a web portal sancharsaathi.gov.in.
- Purpose: To curb cyber fraud, block stolen phones, and verify mobile connections.
Key Features
- Block Lost/Stolen Phones: Users can block their device across all telecom networks, preventing misuse.
- Trace Devices: Helps track lost or stolen mobile phones.
- Know Connections in Your Name: Lets you check how many SIM cards are registered under your identity.
- Verify Handset Genuineness: Confirms if your mobile handset is genuine or counterfeit.
- Chakshu Module: Report suspected fraud communications, spam calls, malicious links, or impersonation attempts.
- Report International Calls with Indian Numbers: Helps identify spoofed calls.
Current Controversy
- Government Mandate (2025): DoT has ordered smartphone makers (Apple, Oppo, Vivo, Xiaomi, etc.) to pre-install Sanchar Saathi on all new devices.
- Software Updates: Existing devices must receive the app via updates within 90 days.
- Privacy Concerns: Critics argue the app may have unrestricted access to sensitive data, raising surveillance fears.
- Government’s Clarification: Officials insist the app is not for snooping but for telecom security and fraud prevention.
- Apple’s Stand: Apple has stated it will not comply with the mandate.
Quick Comparison
| Feature | Benefit | Concern |
|---|---|---|
| Block stolen phones | Prevents misuse | Requires device IMEI sharing |
| Check SIMs in your name | Stops identity misuse | Access to Aadhaar-linked data |
| Fraud reporting (Chakshu) | Protects against scams | May log communication metadata |
| Pre-install mandate | Universal access | Raises privacy & autonomy issues |
Takeaway
Sanchar Saathi is useful for mobile safety—blocking stolen phones, detecting fraud, and verifying SIMs. However, the mandatory installation directive has sparked privacy debates, with critics calling it intrusive while the government defends it as a cybersecurity measure.