India’s telecom ministry directs smartphone makers to preload the non-deletable Sanchar Saathi- cyber safety app on new devices by February 2026. The move targets rising cyber fraud but draws privacy concerns from tech firms.
India’s Department of Telecommunications issued an order on November 28, 2025, mandating that all smartphone manufacturers preload the government-owned Sanchar Saathi app on new devices. The directive requires compliance within 90 days. Users cannot delete the app. It affects major brands including Apple, Samsung, Vivo, Oppo, and Xiaomi. The policy aims to bolster cyber security amid a surge in IMEI spoofing scams. India counts over 1.2 billion telecom subscribers.
The order specifies that for devices already in supply chains, manufacturers must deliver the app via software updates. This ensures widespread adoption across India’s vast mobile market. The Sanchar Saathi app, launched in January 2025, enables users to track lost phones, block stolen devices, and report fraudulent connections. Government data shows it has recovered over 700,000 lost phones since inception. In October 2025 alone, it aided in retrieving 50,000 devices.
Sanchar Saathi App Mandatory Preload: Core Features and Impact
The Sanchar Saathi app mandatory preload forms the crux of India’s latest cyber security push. It integrates with the Central Equipment Identity Register (CEIR) to verify device authenticity. Users can report suspicious calls or messages through its Chakshu feature. The app also disconnects fraudulent SIMs linked to a single identity.
Official records from the Department of Telecommunications highlight its efficacy. More than 3.7 million stolen or lost phones have been blocked via the platform. Over 30 million fraudulent connections stand terminated. These figures underscore the app’s role in curbing telecom misuse. “Sanchar Saathi is a citizen-centric initiative to empower mobile subscribers and strengthen their security,” states the app’s official portal.
The preload mandate addresses “serious endangerment” to telecom cyber security from duplicate or spoofed IMEI numbers. Such tactics fuel scams and illegal network access. India’s cyber fraud cases have spiked, with police reports indicating thousands of victims monthly. By preloading the app, the government seeks to embed fraud prevention at the device level.
In South Asia, this policy resonates beyond India. Neighbouring countries like Pakistan and Bangladesh face similar cyber threats, with cross-border scams exploiting regional telecom networks. Enhanced IMEI tracking could aid international cooperation on device recovery. However, it raises questions on data privacy in a region where digital rights advocacy grows.
India Mobile Phones Government App Cyber Security Drive
India mobile phones government app cyber security efforts have evolved rapidly. The November 28 order builds on prior initiatives like the CEIR system. Telecom Secretary Neeraj Mittal oversees implementation. Downloads of the Sanchar Saathi app surpassed 5 million by mid-2025, per Press Information Bureau data.
The directive targets all new smartphones sold in India. Android devices, powering 95.5% of the 735 million units in use, face straightforward integration. iOS compatibility poses challenges. The government views the app as vital for national digital safety. It prevents counterfeit devices from entering black markets and assists law enforcement in tracing stolen goods.
Fraudulent IMEI cloning remains a key vulnerability. Criminals use spoofed numbers to reactivate blocked phones. The preload ensures every user has tools to detect and report such activity. Telecom operators must support app functions across networks. This aligns with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision for secure digital infrastructure.
Regional implications extend to economic stability. Cyber fraud costs South Asian economies billions annually. In India, losses topped INR 10,000 crore in 2024. By mandating the app, authorities aim to reduce this burden. Users gain direct access to reporting without third-party apps.
Apple India App Preload Controversy Emerges
Apple India app preload controversy simmers as the mandate clashes with company policies. Apple prohibits pre-installing government or third-party apps on iOS devices before sale. Past disputes include resistance to an anti-spam app development request from regulators.
Tarun Pathak, research director at Counterpoint, noted the tension. “Apple has historically refused such requests from governments. It is likely to seek a middle ground: instead of a mandatory pre-install, they might negotiate and ask for an option to nudge users towards installing the app.” Apple did not respond to queries on compliance.
Industry sources express dismay over the lack of consultation. The order arrived privately without stakeholder input. Samsung, Vivo, Oppo, and Xiaomi also stayed silent. Android makers may comply via over-the-air updates. For Apple, negotiations could involve user prompts rather than forced preload.
Privacy advocates flag risks. Mishi Choudhary, a technology lawyer, criticised the non-deletable feature. “The government effectively removes user consent as a meaningful choice.” Data collection for fraud reporting includes call logs and SMS details, per the app’s privacy policy. The policy assures no personal data storage without consent.
In South Asia, Apple’s 4.5% market share amplifies the stakes. Premium users in urban India rely on iPhones for secure communications. A prolonged standoff could delay updates or spark legal challenges. Regulators emphasise the app’s opt-in reporting to ease concerns.
Background: Rise of Sanchar Saathi Initiative
The Sanchar Saathi portal launched in October 2024 under the Department of Telecommunications. It centralises services for mobile verification and fraud prevention. The mobile app followed in January 2025, available on Google Play and Apple App Store.
Early adoption proved strong. By July 2025, downloads hit 5 million. The platform’s CEIR module blocks stolen devices nationwide. Police recoveries surged post-launch. In Agra, 210 devices worth INR 42 lakh returned to owners in November 2025.
Government press releases credit citizen participation. “The Sanchar Saathi initiative exemplifies Jan Bhagidari—citizen participation in governance,” reads a July 2025 update. Users report via SMS to 14422 or the app. KYC verification prevents multiple connections per identity.
This preload order marks an escalation. Prior efforts focused on voluntary use. Now, ubiquity drives scale. Telecom ministry data shows 50,000 phones recovered in October 2025 alone. Such outcomes justify the push, officials argue.
South Asian parallels include Pakistan’s PTA efforts on IMEI registration. Regional forums discuss harmonising standards to combat transboundary fraud.
What’s Next for India’s Cyber Safety App Mandate
Compliance deadlines loom by late February 2026. Manufacturers must certify preload on new shipments. Software pushes for existing devices follow. Telecom ministry monitoring ensures adherence.
Potential hurdles include Apple negotiations. Successful talks could yield user nudges. Failure might prompt regulatory penalties. Privacy audits may address advocate demands.
Broader rollout could expand app features. Integration with Aadhaar for seamless verification sits on the horizon. International partners eye similar mandates. Russia blocks stolen phones via apps; India joins this trend.
Users prepare for changes. App notifications will guide reporting. Awareness campaigns via DoT’s social channels ramp up. The mandate promises safer mobiles but tests tech-government ties.
India mandates cyber safety app on smartphones to fortify digital defences. As adoption grows, fraud rates may dip, benefiting millions across South Asia.
Published in SouthAsianDesk, December 1st, 2025
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