The Government of India has issued a new directive requiring all major smartphone companies to pre-install its cybersecurity app, Sanchar Sathi, on every new device sold in the country. Brands like Apple, Samsung, Vivo, and Oppo must follow the order within 90 days, and the app must be added in a way that users “cannot disable it.” The move aims to strengthen mobile security, curb digital fraud, and prevent misuse of IMEI numbers under the Telecommunications Act, 2023.
The Ministry of Telecommunications has rolled out a major policy directive aimed at strengthening mobile security and tackling the growing threat of digital fraud in India. As per the new order, all major smartphone manufacturers — including Apple, Samsung, Vivo, Oppo, and others — must pre-install the government-owned cybersecurity application, Sanchar Sathi, on every new smartphone sold in the country.
According to the ministry, smartphone companies have been given "90 days to comply" with the directive. The order further states that the app must be installed in such a way that "users cannot disable it", ensuring its continued presence and functionality on all devices.
This move is part of the government’s larger effort to curb online fraud, prevent misuse of telecom resources, and improve traceability of mobile devices.
The Sanchar Sathi platform was originally launched as a website in May 2023 to provide a centralized system for reporting mobile-related fraud, stolen devices, and unauthorized SIM connections. The Ministry later expanded its accessibility by releasing a dedicated mobile application in January for both Android and iOS.
Described officially as “an improved version of a government website that was introduced in May 2023”, the Sanchar Sathi app now serves as a comprehensive digital safety tool helping citizens manage and protect their mobile connections.
The app lets users immediately report and block lost or stolen smartphones across all telecom networks in India. Once a device is blocked, it becomes unusable on any network in the country.
This feature also helps law enforcement agencies trace the location of a blocked phone if it is reactivated or used anywhere in India.
The Chakshu feature allows citizens to report fraudulent calls, SMS, and WhatsApp messages directly to authorities, helping the government identify emerging scam patterns and take action.
Sanchar Sathi enables users to view all mobile numbers registered under their name. If any unauthorized or unknown connection appears, the user can report it for further investigation.
The KYM function lets users verify the authenticity of their smartphone by checking its details against government records. This helps detect counterfeit or tampered devices.
A major motivation behind mandating the pre-installation of Sanchar Sathi is the rising challenge of mobile identity manipulation. The government aims to eliminate fraud stemming from duplicate or fake IMEI numbers, which are often used in cybercrimes, financial scams, and network abuse.
The directive highlights the issue wherein scammers modify or clone IMEI numbers to bypass security systems. In such cases, the device becomes untraceable, making it easier to commit telecom-related fraud.
As the order reiterates,
“If someone tries to change important identification numbers in mobile phones, like the 15-digit IMEI number, it's considered a serious crime under the Telecommunications Act of 2023.”
The law specifies punishments including:
Up to three years in prison
Fines up to 50 lakh rupees
Or both
Such stringent penalties underscore the government’s intention to discourage tampering and ensure complete traceability of mobile devices.
The Department of Telecommunications (DoT) has also instructed smartphone companies to ensure that Sanchar Sathi is completely accessible and user-friendly. As stated in the directive:
“the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) has instructed mobile phone companies to make sure that Sanchar Sathi is easy to find and use right from the moment you set up your phone. This app should work perfectly to help users.”
Manufacturers must integrate the app in a way that:
• It appears prominently during device setup
• It cannot be removed or disabled
• It runs smoothly without affecting device performance
The mandatory inclusion of Sanchar Sathi marks a pivotal shift in India’s digital security policies. With rising cases of mobile fraud, WhatsApp scams, phishing attacks, and misuse of telecom resources, a unified app across all smartphone brands can significantly improve user safety.
The initiative also aligns with India’s long-term goal of building a secure digital ecosystem and promoting responsible use of telecom infrastructure.