The Indian government has issued a directive requiring all major smartphone manufacturers to preload its official cybersecurity application, ‘Sanchar Saathi,’ on every new device sold in the country.
Here’s what it means for you, your next phone, and why tech giants like Apple may not be thrilled. What’s happening According to a Reuters report, the Indian government has reportedly directed all major smartphone manufacturers to preload a state-owned cybersecurity app called ‘Sanchar Saathi’ on every new device sold in the country. This applies to Apple, Samsung, Xiaomi, Vivo, Oppo, and all other major brands. Also read: Indian users will now have stronger safety against scam calls
Why is the government doing this? According to the telecom ministry, India is facing “serious endangerment” from: So the government wants one mandatory app that helps battle these issues. What the app actually does Sanchar Saathi is designed to help protect mobile users. The app lets you: The government says the app has already: Also read: How cyber thugs are making victims, learn ways to avoid this fraud from experts
Why tech companies might push back Apple, in particular, has a strict rule: Apple has historically refused such requests from governments. They don’t allow government or third-party apps to be pre-installed on new devices. Tarun Pathak from Counterpoint Research says Apple might look for a compromise: Instead of mandatory pre-installs, they might negotiate and ask for an option to nudge users towards installing the app. Google, Samsung, and Xiaomi have not commented yet. What this means for you If the order goes through as is: Also read: Don’t open the ‘Wedding Invitation’ card on WhatsApp
So… what do you need to do?
Right now, users don’t need to take any action. However, in the coming months, new smartphones are expected to arrive with the Sanchar Saathi app already installed, as mandated by the government.
Some existing devices in the supply chain may also receive the app through a software update. Once it appears on your phone, you can use the app to check a device’s IMEI number, report stolen phones, or verify suspicious calls, functions that the government says are aimed at improving user safety and reducing mobile-related fraud.
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