India Mandates Pre-Installation of ‘Sanchar Saathi’ App on Smartphones to Combat Telecom Fraud
New Delhi – India’s Ministry of Communications has directed smartphone manufacturers to pre-install the ‘Sanchar Saathi’ app on all devices sold in the country, effective January 15, 2024. The move, announced this week, aims to curb telecom fraud, including SIM swap fraud, cyber fraud, and the proliferation of fraudulent mobile devices.
The directive impacts all major smartphone brands operating in India, requiring them to integrate the app into their operating systems before sale. Sanchar Saathi, developed by the Department of Telecommunications (DoT), allows users to identify fraudulent mobile devices, report cybercrime, and track the authenticity of SIM cards. The initiative comes as India grapples with a surge in financial crimes facilitated through mobile networks, costing citizens billions of rupees annually.
The app’s core functionality includes a public interface for citizens to register complaints about unsolicited calls and SMS messages, as well as a platform for verifying the legitimacy of mobile handsets. It also provides a mechanism to block suspicious SIM cards and report instances of fraud to law enforcement agencies. The DoT estimates that the app will help protect consumers from financial losses and enhance national security by disrupting criminal networks.
Manufacturers have been given a timeframe to comply with the order, with ongoing discussions regarding the technical implementation and potential impact on device costs. The goverment has emphasized that the pre-installation is intended to be a proactive measure to safeguard citizens and strengthen the digital infrastructure.
