SANCHAR SAATHI

NEWS  – The Department of Telecommunications (DoT) has issued a directive mandating that all smartphone manufacturers pre-install the government-run Sanchar Saathi cybersecurity application.

HIGHLIGHTS

• AIM – strengthening national telecom security amid rising cases of cyber fraud and spoofed device identities.

KEY PROVISIONS OF THE DOT DIRECTIVE

Mandatory Pre-installation

• All smartphone makers must pre-install the Sanchar Saathi app on every new device manufactured or imported for sale in India.
• Users will not be able to delete or disable the app.

Timeline for Compliance

• 90 days granted to ensure pre-installation on upcoming models.
• Devices already manufactured and present in sales channels must receive the app through software updates.

Compliance Reporting

• Manufacturers and importers must submit compliance reports within 120 days of the directive.

ABOUT THE SANCHAR SAATHI APP

Core Functions

• Allows users to:
  • Verify a device’s IMEI number.
  • Block or trace stolen phones through a central registry.
  • Report suspicious calls/messages.
  • Check all mobile numbers registered in their name.
  • Report fraudulent activity using the Chakshu

Government’s Rationale

• Aims to curb telecom cyber threats, including misuse of duplicate or spoofed IMEIs.
• Helps prevent scams, SIM misuse, and digital fraud.