The mandate comes shortly after reports suggested the government is looking at stronger security measures for mobile devices, including a proposal to bring SIM binding to apps such as WhatsApp. The decision has sparked a lot of debate online, with many users worried that it could give the government more access to their personal devices.
What the Government Has Directed
The instructions issued to smartphone makers are clear. Smartphone makers have been told that the Sanchar Saathi app must come pre-installed and easy to find when a user sets up their phone for the first time. The guidelines specify that the app’s core features cannot be disabled or removed. The government says the decision aims to strengthen mobile security and help curb the misuse of telecom services.
Why Sanchar Saathi Is Being Made Mandatory
According to the Department of Telecommunications, the mandate is linked to the rising cases of duplicate IMEI numbers, fraudulent mobile connections, and cyber misuse. The app is positioned as a tool that will help consumers report stolen devices, verify IMEI authenticity, and track suspicious activity linked to their mobile number.
What the App Does
Sanchar Saathi functions as a central security tool for mobile users. It lets users block a lost or stolen device across all networks, verify whether a phone is genuine, and check how many SIM cards are issued under their ID. The app also connects to the CEIR database, enabling authorities to restrict IMEIs instantly.
Government data shows the system has already blocked over 3.7 million stolen devices and recovered around 700,000 lost phones.