India Directs Smartphone Makers to Preload Mandatory Cyber Safety App

The Indian telecom ministry has ordered all major smartphone makers to preload the government’s cyber safety app Sanchar Saathi on new devices. The app must be non-removable, and companies have 90 days to comply. Devices already in the supply chain must receive the app through software updates.

The government says the move is needed to tackle cyber fraud, stolen phones, and misuse of spoofed or duplicate IMEI numbers.

Privacy Concerns

Privacy advocates have criticised the decision, saying it removes meaningful user consent. Similar rules in other countries have also faced backlash.

Apple’s Likely Objection

Apple is expected to resist the mandate, as its policies do not allow compulsory installation of government apps. Experts believe the company may push for a user-prompt alternative.

Why the App Matters

The Sanchar Saathi platform has so far:

Recovered over 700,000 lost phones

Blocked 3.7 million stolen or lost devices

Terminated 30 million fraudulent connections

It uses IMEI-linked data to help track stolen phones and reduce the circulation of counterfeit devices.

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