India Mandates Pre-Installation of Government Cybersecurity App on All New Smartphones by 2025
- What’s the New Smartphone Rule in India?
- Why Is India Pushing Sanchar Saathi?
- How Are Smartphone Giants Reacting?
- What Does Sanchar Saathi Actually Do?
- New Rules for WhatsApp and Telegram
- Will Apple Exit the Indian Market?
- FAQ: Your Top Questions Answered
India has joined a small group of countries requiring government apps to be pre-installed on smartphones. The new directive, issued on November 28, 2024, gives manufacturers 90 days to comply, potentially disrupting major players like Apple, Samsung, and Xiaomi. Here’s what you need to know about the controversial Sanchar Saathi app and its implications for privacy, business, and cybersecurity.
What’s the New Smartphone Rule in India?
India’s government now requires all smartphone manufacturers to pre-install the Sanchar Saathi cybersecurity app on new devices. The order, effective immediately, mandates compliance within 90 days—meaning all phones shipped after February 28, 2025, must include the app. Even devices already in the supply chain must receive it via software updates. The app cannot be uninstalled by users, raising eyebrows among privacy advocates.
Why Is India Pushing Sanchar Saathi?
The government insists Sanchar Saathi is critical for combating telecom cybersecurity threats, including duplicated or fake IMEI numbers used in scams. Since its launch in January 2024, the app has reportedly:
- Been downloaded over 5 million times
- Helped recover 700,000 lost phones (50,000 in October alone)
- Blocked 3.7 million stolen devices
- Terminated 30 million fraudulent mobile connections
“This isn’t just about security—it’s about control,” argues tech lawyer Mishi Choudhary. “Removing user consent sets a dangerous precedent.”
How Are Smartphone Giants Reacting?
Apple, which produces 14% of its global iPhones in India, faces a dilemma. Its policy explicitly bans pre-installing third-party apps. In 2017, Apple clashed with Indian regulators over an anti-spam app, delaying implementation due to data-sharing concerns. Other manufacturers like Samsung and Xiaomi, which dominate India’s 1.2 billion-subscriber market, may adapt quicker—but at what cost to user trust?
What Does Sanchar Saathi Actually Do?
The app offers two key features:
- Lost Phone Tracking: Blocks stolen devices across all telecom networks via a central registry.
- Fraud Prevention: Disconnects suspicious mobile connections in real-time.
Critics compare it to Russia’s mandatory Max messaging app, rolled out in August 2024 under similar justifications.
New Rules for WhatsApp and Telegram
Separately, India’s telecom department now requires messaging apps (including WhatsApp, Telegram, and Signal) to maintain continuous SIM card verification. Web versions will log users out every 6 hours for re-authentication. The government claims this combats overseas cyber fraud—but it also means no more anonymous messaging.
Will Apple Exit the Indian Market?
Unlikely, but tensions are high. India accounts for 4.5% of Apple’s global smartphone sales (735 million devices). Losing this production hub and customer base WOULD sting. Analysts suggest compromise scenarios, like making the app downloadable during setup rather than pre-installed.
FAQ: Your Top Questions Answered
What happens if manufacturers don’t comply?
Non-compliant devices could be banned from sale in India after February 28, 2025.
Can I remove Sanchar Saathi after buying a phone?
No. The app is designed to be permanent, though its permissions may be adjustable.
Does this affect existing phones?
Only if manufacturers push updates. Older models without updates remain unchanged.
