In a significant step towards enhancing mobile user security, the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) has made it compulsory for the Sanchar Saathi app to be pre-installed on every new smartphone entering the Indian market. The order applies to both domestically manufactured and imported devices. Manufacturers and importers must ensure the app is prominently displayed and easily accessible during the initial device setup process, with all its functionalities remaining fully operational.
Sanchar Saathi, introduced in May 2023, serves as a comprehensive government portal dedicated to user protection against mobile fraud and misuse. Key features of the platform include the ability to report and block lost or stolen devices, track mobile connections registered to an individual’s identity, and confirm legitimate contact information for banks. It also allows users to verify handset authenticity, identify spam or suspicious messages, and report spoofed international calls.
This centralized approach simplifies the process for reporting fraudulent activities or lost phones, as users can now access these critical functions directly through their device. The platform’s impact is already evident: millions of mobile devices have been blocked and a substantial number have been recovered. Furthermore, it has processed millions of user requests related to mobile connection information, with a high success rate in resolutions.
The government’s strategic decision to integrate Sanchar Saathi aims to provide robust protection against fake devices, enable swift reporting of telecom-related offenses, and amplify the reach and effectiveness of this crucial security initiative. Major smartphone manufacturers have been allocated 90 days for implementation and 120 days to submit their compliance status.