Govt Makes Sanchar Saathi Mandatory: What The App Does And Why It’s Sparking Debate
The Indian government has officially confirmed that it wants the Sanchar Saathi app to be installed on every mobile phone in India new and old. After a leaked memo surfaced, the Ministry of Communications issued a PIB statement directing phone makers to pre-install Sanchar Saathi on all future devices and push it to existing phones through a software update.
The move follows recent reports suggesting that the government also wants SIM Binding enforced on WhatsApp and other messaging apps triggering debates around privacy, device control, and digital surveillance.
Here’s the entire story explained in five clear points.
Point 1: What Exactly Is the Government Asking For?
According to the PIB note, the government has ordered mobile manufacturers to ensure Sanchar Saathi comes pre-installed on every phone sold in India. Not only that the app must remain visible, accessible, and cannot be disabled or removed.
The order states:
“Ensure that the Sanchar Saathi mobile application is pre-installed on all mobile handsets manufactured or imported for use in India… and that its functionalities are not disabled or restricted.”
Companies like Apple, Samsung, Vivo and others must comply within 90 days and submit a compliance report within 120 days.
Point 2: Why the Government Says the App Is Needed
The DoT claims the mandate is meant to address rising telecom-related cyber threats, especially cases involving fake or tampered IMEI numbers.
The PIB note says the move will:
The government is positioning the Sanchar Saathi app as a safety tool that helps users block phones, report suspicious communication, and check for fraudulent mobile connections.
Point 3: What Is the Sanchar Saathi App?
Sanchar Saathi is a government-developed mobile security platform designed to improve device safety and curb telecom fraud. Through the app, users can:
However, concerns arise because the app reportedly seeks access to:
This has raised questions about digital privacy, data usage and potential overreach.
Point 4: How Sanchar Saathi Actually Works
Sanchar Saathi connects a phone’s IMEI to CEIR, a national database of legitimate mobile devices.
Through CEIR, users can:
Government data claims:
Point 5: Why the Mandate Is Controversial
While the government highlights the app’s benefits, many Indian users see it as a worrying move comparable to policies enforced in authoritarian countries like Russia and China.
Public concerns include:
Commentator Tehseen Poonawala wrote on X:
“Outrageous! The Govt’s Sanchar Saathi app mandate is a blatant assault on our privacy… The government will potentially have the power to spy on our calls, texts & location… This is surveillance at its worst.”
The debate is intensifying, with users demanding greater transparency about what data the app collects and how it will be used.
The move follows recent reports suggesting that the government also wants SIM Binding enforced on WhatsApp and other messaging apps triggering debates around privacy, device control, and digital surveillance.
Here’s the entire story explained in five clear points.
Point 1: What Exactly Is the Government Asking For?
According to the PIB note, the government has ordered mobile manufacturers to ensure Sanchar Saathi comes pre-installed on every phone sold in India. Not only that the app must remain visible, accessible, and cannot be disabled or removed.
The order states:
“Ensure that the Sanchar Saathi mobile application is pre-installed on all mobile handsets manufactured or imported for use in India… and that its functionalities are not disabled or restricted.”
Companies like Apple, Samsung, Vivo and others must comply within 90 days and submit a compliance report within 120 days.
Point 2: Why the Government Says the App Is Needed
The DoT claims the mandate is meant to address rising telecom-related cyber threats, especially cases involving fake or tampered IMEI numbers.
The PIB note says the move will:
- Protect users from non-genuine handsets
- Enable easy reporting of misuse of telecom resources
- Improve tracking and blocking of stolen or lost devices
- Strengthen the Sanchar Saathi initiative already in place
The government is positioning the Sanchar Saathi app as a safety tool that helps users block phones, report suspicious communication, and check for fraudulent mobile connections.
Point 3: What Is the Sanchar Saathi App?
Sanchar Saathi is a government-developed mobile security platform designed to improve device safety and curb telecom fraud. Through the app, users can:
- Block stolen or lost phones instantly
- Verify IMEI authenticity
- Check all mobile numbers linked to their ID
- Report suspicious calls or misuse
- Help authorities trace stolen devices
However, concerns arise because the app reportedly seeks access to:
- Call logs
- Messages
- Camera and media
- Device and network states
This has raised questions about digital privacy, data usage and potential overreach.
Point 4: How Sanchar Saathi Actually Works
Sanchar Saathi connects a phone’s IMEI to CEIR, a national database of legitimate mobile devices.
Through CEIR, users can:
- Block a phone across all networks, even if the SIM is changed
- Verify whether a device is genuine or tampered
- Detect unknown numbers issued under their ID
- Prevent misuse of their identity for fraudulent connections
Government data claims:
- 7 lakh+ lost phones recovered
- 3.7 million stolen devices blocked
- 30 million fake/illegal mobile connections deactivated
Point 5: Why the Mandate Is Controversial
While the government highlights the app’s benefits, many Indian users see it as a worrying move comparable to policies enforced in authoritarian countries like Russia and China.
Public concerns include:
- Mandatory installation without user consent
- No option to uninstall
- Extensive app permissions
- Potential for government surveillance
Commentator Tehseen Poonawala wrote on X:
“Outrageous! The Govt’s Sanchar Saathi app mandate is a blatant assault on our privacy… The government will potentially have the power to spy on our calls, texts & location… This is surveillance at its worst.”
The debate is intensifying, with users demanding greater transparency about what data the app collects and how it will be used.
Next Story