Indian phones to come preloaded with Modi government's cybersecurity app
What's the story
India's Department of Telecommunications under the Ministry of Communications has ordered smartphone manufacturers to pre-install a state-owned cybersecurity app on all new devices. The move, which comes with a 90-day deadline, is aimed at enhancing telecom cybersecurity in the country. The app, called Sanchar Saathi, was launched in January and has already helped recover over 700,000 lost phones.
App details
Sanchar Saathi: A tool for telecom cybersecurity
The Sanchar Saathi app helps users report suspicious calls, verify IMEI numbers (a unique identifier for every mobile device), and block lost or stolen devices through a centralized database. Since its launch, it has been downloaded over five million times and has blocked more than 3.7 million stolen/lost phones while terminating over 30 million fraudulent connections.
Manufacturer compliance
Government's order and its implications
The government has mandated major smartphone manufacturers, including Apple, Samsung, Vivo, OPPO, and Xiaomi, to pre-install Sanchar Saathi on new devices within 90 days. The order also applies to devices already in the supply chain; manufacturers are required to push the app via software updates. Notably, the app cannot be uninstalled by users once installed.
Policy conflict
Apple's stance on the government app
Apple, which has a small share of the Indian smartphone market with its iOS platform, pre-installs its own apps but doesn't allow installation of any government/third-party app before sale. This policy could lead to a potential conflict with the new government order. Tarun Pathak, Counterpoint's Research Director, said, "Apple has historically refused such requests from governments."
Cybersecurity concerns
Government's justification for the app
The Indian government has justified the need for Sanchar Saathi by saying it is critical to combat "serious endangerment" of telecom cybersecurity from duplicate or spoofed IMEI numbers. These can be used for scams and network misuse. The app also helps prevent cyber threats and aids in tracking/blocking lost/stolen phones, thereby keeping counterfeits out of the black market.