India Mandates Preinstallation of Government Cybersecurity App Sanchar Saathi on All New Smartphones by 2025
- What’s the New Smartphone Rule in India?
- Why Is the Government Insisting on Sanchar Saathi?
- How Are Smartphone Manufacturers Reacting?
- What Are the Broader Implications for Privacy?
- How Does This Affect India’s Smartphone Market?
- What’s Next for Sanchar Saathi?
- FAQ: India’s Sanchar Saathi Mandate
In a bold MOVE to combat cyber fraud, the Indian government has ordered smartphone manufacturers to preinstall its cybersecurity app, Sanchar Saathi, on all new devices within 90 days. This directive, effective from November 28, 2025, targets major players like Apple, Samsung, and Xiaomi, raising concerns about user privacy and market compliance. The app, which has already recovered 700,000 lost phones, is part of a broader crackdown on telecom fraud, including stricter rules for messaging apps like WhatsApp and Telegram. Here’s what you need to know.
What’s the New Smartphone Rule in India?
The Indian government has issued a mandate requiring all smartphone manufacturers to preinstall the Sanchar Saathi cybersecurity app on new devices sold in the country. Companies have 90 days from November 28, 2025, to comply, with no option for users to uninstall the app. For devices already in the supply chain, manufacturers must push the app via software updates. This move aims to tackle duplicate or fake IMEI numbers, which are often used in scams and network abuse. The IMEI (International Mobile Equipment Identity) is a unique identifier for mobile devices, crucial for blocking stolen phones from accessing networks.
Why Is the Government Insisting on Sanchar Saathi?
Sanchar Saathi, launched in January 2025, is a centralized platform for tracking and blocking lost or stolen phones across all telecom networks. It also helps users disconnect fraudulent mobile connections. So far, the app has been downloaded over 5 million times, recovered 700,000 lost devices (including 50,000 in October alone), and blocked 3.7 million stolen phones. The government argues that these measures are essential to curb rising cyber threats, but critics like tech lawyer Mishi Choudhary warn that the policy undermines user consent. Similar concerns were raised when Russia mandated the preinstallation of its messaging app, Max, in August 2025.
How Are Smartphone Manufacturers Reacting?
Apple, which accounts for 4.5% of India’s 735 million smartphones, faces a dilemma. Its internal policies prohibit preinstalling third-party or government apps on devices before sale. The company has clashed with Indian regulators before, notably in 2017 over an anti-spam app that required call log data sharing. Other manufacturers, including Samsung, Vivo, Oppo, and Xiaomi—which dominate India’s smartphone market—are expected to comply, though no official statements have been released yet.
What Are the Broader Implications for Privacy?
Privacy advocates argue that mandatory preinstallation sets a dangerous precedent. “This decision effectively removes user consent as a meaningful choice,” says Choudhary. The government counters that the app’s benefits outweigh privacy concerns, citing its success in curbing fraud. Meanwhile, messaging apps like WhatsApp, Telegram, and Signal must now maintain continuous links to active SIM cards, a rule aimed at preventing overseas cybercrime. Web versions of these apps will require reauthentication via QR code every six hours.
How Does This Affect India’s Smartphone Market?
India is a critical production hub for Apple, with over 14% of global iPhone manufacturing. If the company refuses to comply, it risks losing access to a massive consumer base and key production facilities. For Android manufacturers, compliance is likely smoother, but the precedent could invite similar demands from other governments. Market analysts at BTCC note that the rule could disrupt supply chains and delay new model launches, though long-term impacts remain unclear.
What’s Next for Sanchar Saathi?
The app’s rollout will be closely watched for technical glitches and user adoption. If successful, it could inspire similar initiatives globally. However, legal challenges or pushback from manufacturers could delay or dilute the mandate. For now, the clock is ticking for companies to adapt—or face potential penalties.
FAQ: India’s Sanchar Saathi Mandate
What is Sanchar Saathi?
Sanchar Saathi is a government-developed cybersecurity app designed to track lost/stolen phones and block fraudulent mobile connections.
Which companies are affected?
All smartphone manufacturers selling in India, including Apple, Samsung, Xiaomi, Vivo, and Oppo.
Can users uninstall the app?
No. The app must remain preinstalled and undeletable on all new devices.
What happens if manufacturers don’t comply?
Non-compliant brands may face restrictions or penalties, though specifics aren’t yet public.
