India Makes Cybersecurity App Mandatory On All New Smartphones
India’s smartphone market woke up to an unexpected jolt when the government quietly issued a new directive that could change how future phones work in the country. The order requires every smartphone brand to preload the Sanchar Saathi cybersecurity app on all new devices sold in India. And the part that caught everyone’s attention is that the app cannot be removed by the user.
The notification came on 28 November, offering companies a ninety day deadline to comply. From Apple to Samsung to Chinese giants like Xiaomi, Vivo and Oppo, every brand has been placed under the same umbrella. The move has immediately triggered discussions on digital safety, privacy and the increasing role of the government in everyday technology.
You can also read this : Big Tech Shake-Up: India Makes Cyber Safety App Mandatory on All New Phones And You Can’t Delete It
1. Government’s New Mandate
- The Indian government has formally instructed smartphone makers to include Sanchar Saathi as a permanent system app.
- The directive is binding on all new smartphones that will be manufactured or imported into India.
- Companies have ninety days to adjust production, software and distribution processes.
- Once installed, the app cannot be uninstalled, which has raised concerns about consent and control.
Officials defend the decision by saying that users need stronger tools to protect themselves from rising digital fraud. A senior telecom official commented, “People are scammed every day. This app gives control back to the user. It helps them act instantly instead of waiting for authorities.”
His confidence reflects the government’s intention, but not necessarily the public sentiment.
2. Why Sanchar Saathi Matters
Sanchar Saathi was launched earlier this year and has already proven to be a useful weapon against phone-related fraud.
Key Features of the App
- Tracks lost or stolen phones using IMEI numbers.
- Allows users to block devices remotely before misuse happens.
- Identifies SIM cards linked to the same ID, exposing unauthorized usage.
- Alerts users about suspicious calls or spam patterns.
- Provides access to telecom services without relying on customer care centers.
Proven Impact
- More than seven lakh lost or stolen phones have reportedly been recovered through the system.
- Over thirty seven lakh fake or illegal devices have been blocked from telecom networks.
- Telecom fraud complaints have dropped in several states where awareness of the app is high.
These achievements are exactly why the government feels confident about making it a mandatory part of the smartphone ecosystem.
3. Impact On Smartphone Brands
The new rule has caused a ripple effect across major manufacturers.
How Companies Are Affected
- Brands will need to adjust factory settings to include the app in the system partition.
- Software testing cycles will be longer, which may delay upcoming model launches.
- For privacy focused brands like Apple, the rule challenges their long standing policies about user control.
- Companies will need to work with the government to ensure the app does not interfere with existing security systems.
Industry experts believe that while Android companies can adapt more easily, Apple may face complications because its ecosystem is tightly locked for security reasons.
4. Privacy Concerns And Public Reactions
While many users appreciate any step that reduces digital fraud, a large section of the public is uneasy.
Key Privacy Concerns
- The app is undeletable, which means users have no choice.
- There is no public audit that proves the app does not collect sensitive data.
- Many fear that such apps can be expanded later without user notification.
- People worry about who can access IMEI and SIM related data collected through the app.
Cybersecurity expert Meera Tandon explained it clearly. “Security apps are helpful, but anything permanent on a phone should be transparent. People deserve to know exactly what the app can and cannot do.”
General Public Mood
- Some users call the move a smart step for safety.
- Others believe the government is slowly gaining too much access to personal devices.
- Social media is filled with discussions about the balance between protection and privacy.
5. Broader Digital Landscape
India has over 1.2 billion telecom users, making it one of the largest digital markets in the world. With such a huge population, scams spread quickly and often go unnoticed until major damage is done.
Why The Move Makes Sense
- Scammers use cloned SIM cards and fake IMEI numbers to hide identity.
- Stolen phones are used in criminal activities, making recovery harder.
- Spam calls and fraud attempts have doubled in recent years.
- Users rarely know how to protect themselves without technical help.
Sanchar Saathi gives ordinary users a quick tool to respond instead of feeling helpless.
6. What Happens Next
The next ninety days will be crucial.
Possible Outcomes
- Smartphone companies will rush to implement the mandate in new production batches.
- Users will start seeing the preloaded app on devices arriving in stores.
- Privacy experts may pressure the government to publish a detailed transparency report.
- If the app stays limited to anti fraud features, people may slowly accept it.
- But if the app expands beyond its current purpose, backlash from users could be immediate.
India’s tech future now stands at a crossroads where safety and privacy compete for the front seat. The final impact of this rule will depend on how responsibly Sanchar Saathi is maintained in the coming years.
