The Indian government’s directive to pre-install the Sanchaar Sarthi app on all new smartphones has triggered one of the most intense national debates on digital rights in recent years. While the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) argues that the app is vital to tackle rising cyber fraud, Opposition parties, digital rights groups, and even major smartphone companies have raised strong objections.
The controversy deepened after reports claimed the app would be non-removable — prompting Communications Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia to clarify that the Sanchaar Sarthi app is optional and can be deleted by users.
Key Takeaways: Why the Sanchaar Sarthi App Order Has Sparked a National Showdown
- DoT directs smartphone makers to pre-install the Sanchaar Sarthi app on all new devices within 90 days.
- Scindia clarifies the app is optional and removable, countering “snooping” allegations.
- The opposition calls it a surveillance tool, demanding an immediate rollback.
- Reuters reports Apple will not comply, citing global policies.
- The app includes IMEI blocking, KYM authenticity checks, Chakshu fraud reporting, and SIM verification features.
- Sanchaar Sarthi has helped block over 3.7 million stolen phones, trace 7 lakh devices, and disconnect 30 million fraudulent mobile connections.
- Privacy experts question permissions, data access, and the need for a mandatory system-level app.
DoT’s Pre-Install Order: What the Government Has Mandated
In its directive, the Department of Telecommunications asked major smartphone manufacturers — including Apple, Samsung, Vivo, Oppo and Xiaomi — to pre-install the Sanchaar Sarthi app on every new phone meant for sale in India.
Manufacturers must also:
- Comply within 90 days
- Submit a compliance report within 120 days
- Push the app through software updates on devices in the existing supply chain
The directive warns that non-compliance will attract action under the Telecommunications Act, 2023 and the Telecom Cyber Security Rules, 2024.
This marks one of the rare instances where a government-mandated app is required at a system level, with no initial option for disabling its core functionalities.
What Is the Sanchaar Sarthi App and Why Was It Created?
Launched as a web portal in 2023 and expanded into a mobile app in January 2024–25, Sanchaar Sarthi is designed to protect telecom users from fraud, device theft and identity misuse.
Its foundation lies in CEIR — the Central Equipment Identity Register, a national IMEI database designed to prevent the use of cloned, fake or blacklisted devices.
Major Functions of the App
- Block Stolen or Lost Phones:
Users can block a device’s IMEI across all telecom networks, preventing misuse and enabling police tracking. - Know Your Mobile (KYM):
Verifies whether a mobile phone is genuine, blacklisted, cloned or previously reported stolen. - Check SIMs Registered in Your Name:
Helps users detect unauthorized SIM cards linked to their identity. - Chakshu Fraud Reporting:
Allows reporting of scam calls, phishing SMS, fake customer-care numbers and malicious links. - International Calls Masked as Indian Numbers:
Users can report suspicious international calls appearing with +91.
The app supports 22 languages, aiming for accessibility across India.
Why the Government Wants It Pre-Installed on Every Phone
The government says the pre-install rule is necessary to counter rising telecom fraud, particularly through duplicate and spoofed IMEI numbers.
Duplicate IMEIs enable criminals to:
- Mask device identity
- Evade law enforcement
- Commit large-scale SIM fraud
- Resell stolen phones in the grey market
DoT claims the app has already shown massive impact:
- 3.7 million stolen/lost phones blocked
- 7 lakh devices traced and recovered
- 30 million fraudulent mobile connections terminated
According to officials, universal installation aims to create a centralized cybersecurity layer across India’s 1.2 billion mobile subscribers.
Industry Pushback: Apple Likely to Reject the Order
A Reuters report revealed that Apple is unlikely to comply with the mandate and will formally convey concerns to the Indian government.
Industry insiders say:
- Pre-installing third-party or government apps goes against Apple’s global policy
- Mandatory system-level permissions pose security risks to the iOS ecosystem
- Such policies have triggered past standoffs with Indian regulators
Other brands like Samsung are still reviewing the order, but none have publicly committed to compliance.
Opposition’s Strong Protest: ‘This Is a Snooping App’
Opposition parties have fiercely criticized the mandate, calling it unconstitutional and intrusive.
Key statements from Opposition leaders:
Priyanka Gandhi Vadra:
- Called Sanchaar Sarthi a “snooping app”
- Accused the government of “turning the country into a dictatorship”
- Said the right to privacy is non-negotiable under Article 21
KC Venugopal:
- Termed it a “dystopian tool”
- Warned that “Big Brother cannot watch us”
Renuka Chowdhury:
- Filed an adjournment motion in Rajya Sabha seeking an urgent debate
Shashi Tharoor:
- Said making any app compulsory in a democracy is “troubling”
Opposition MPs accused the government of bypassing parliamentary debate and pushing sensitive rules through press notes and internal memos.
Government’s Counter: ‘No Spying, No Snooping, App Is Optional’
As criticism mounted, the government strongly defended the app.
Jyotiraditya Scindia stated:
- “If you don’t want Sanchaar Sarthi, you can delete it.”
- “It is optional and does not enable snooping or call monitoring.”
- “Users who don’t register can simply leave it inactive.”
BJP spokesperson Sambit Patra said:
- “Sanchaar Sarthi cannot read messages, cannot listen to calls, cannot access personal data.”
- “The app only helps users block stolen phones and report fraud.”
BJP MP Shashank Mani Tripathi added:
- India faces sophisticated cyberattacks
- The app enhances nationwide cyber protection
The ruling party insists the Opposition is “manufacturing issues” for political gain.
The Larger Debate: Privacy Rights vs Digital Security
Digital rights groups argue that:
- Mandatory pre-installation violates user autonomy
- System-level apps could access sensitive data without consent
- Permissions for call logs, SMS, and device state must be clarified
- The policy resembles app mandates seen in China and Russia
Unanswered questions fuel the controversy:
- Will the app auto-read IMEI?
- Can users revoke permissions?
- How will the government handle stored data?
- Will the app be permanently active or removable?
Experts say the debate reflects India’s larger struggle between citizen privacy and state-driven digital security.
India’s Telecom Future at a Crossroads
The Sanchaar Sarthi mandate symbolizes a decisive moment in India’s digital governance. While the government positions it as a powerful shield against fraud, the Opposition and privacy advocates warn of potential overreach. Smartphone makers’ responses — especially Apple’s resistance — will shape the next phase of the rollout.
Whether Sanchaar Sarthi becomes a trusted security tool or a flashpoint in India’s privacy battles will depend on upcoming clarifications, data policies, and industry compliance. India now stands at a crucial intersection where cybersecurity ambitions must align with constitutional rights, transparency and user trust.
FAQs on Sanchaar Sarthi App Pre-Install Rule
1. Why has the government mandated the Sanchaar Sarthi app on new smartphones?
The DoT wants the Sanchaar Sarthi app pre-installed to curb IMEI fraud, block stolen phones, detect fake SIM connections, and improve nationwide telecom cybersecurity.
2. Is the Sanchaar Sarthi app compulsory for users?
No. Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia clarified the app is optional and users can delete it anytime, despite the mandatory pre-install requirement for manufacturers.
3. Why are smartphone companies like Apple opposing the Sanchaar Sarthi rule?
Apple reportedly won’t comply because its global policy prohibits pre-installed government apps, citing security, privacy, and iOS ecosystem restrictions.
4. What features does the Sanchaar Sarthi app offer to users?
It enables IMEI blocking for lost phones, KYM authenticity checks, fraud reporting via Chakshu, and identification of all mobile numbers linked to a user’s ID.
5. Why are Opposition parties protesting the Sanchaar Sarthi mandate?
Opposition leaders allege the app threatens privacy, calling it a potential surveillance tool, and demand immediate rollback and parliamentary discussion.
