India’s government has issued a directive requiring all smartphone manufacturers to install a government-developed app, “Sanchar Saathi,” on every handset sold in the country. The directive, issued by the Department of Telecommunications (DoT), gives manufacturers 90 days to comply and mandates that users cannot remove the app from their devices.
The app, available on Google Play and Apple’s App Store, is described by the DoT as a “citizen-centric initiative” aimed at empowering mobile subscribers, enhancing security, and increasing awareness of citizen-focused initiatives. It allows users to report suspicious calls or messages, including those on WhatsApp, that may be fraudulent. Additionally, users can report calls with the +91 country code, which the government considers a potential indicator of illegal telecom operations.
Moreover, the app provides a feature to block devices if they are lost or stolen, preventing them from functioning on any mobile network in India. It also includes an IMEI verification tool to help users confirm the authenticity of their handsets. Given the prevalence of spam and scams, with research indicating that most Indian internet users receive three or more suspicious communications daily, the app could significantly mitigate such threats.
Cybersecurity and Telecom Network Integrity
The government’s announcement highlights cybersecurity concerns within telecom networks as a key reason for the app’s mandatory installation. The statement notes that “spoofed/tampered IMEIs in telecom networks lead to situations where the same IMEI is active in different devices at different locations simultaneously,” posing challenges for regulatory actions.
“India has a big second-hand mobile device market. Cases have also been observed where stolen or blacklisted devices are being re-sold. It makes the purchaser abettor in crime and causes financial loss to them. The blocked/blacklisted IMEIs can be checked using Sanchar Saathi App.”
This concern likely underpins the requirement for handset manufacturers to include Sanchar Saathi in existing devices through a software update. The directive specifies that the app must be pre-installed, visible, functional, and enabled for users during the initial device setup. Manufacturers are prohibited from disabling or restricting its features, ensuring the app’s accessibility from the start.
Privacy Concerns and Public Reaction
While the app’s functions are designed to enhance security, they also allow the government access to call logs and messages on users’ devices when fraud is reported. This capability has raised privacy concerns, as it means the government could potentially access personal information on millions of devices.
Apar Gupta, founder and director of India’s Internet Freedom Foundation, criticized the directive, arguing that “Sanchar Saathi isn’t fit for purpose.” He suggested that the focus should be on improving the app rather than mandating its installation. Despite these concerns, there has been a positive response from some Indian netizens who view the app as a tool to combat fraud.
Historical Context and Future Implications
India’s approach to integrating government apps into daily life is not unprecedented. The country has previously introduced services like the Aadhar digital identity system and the Unified Payments Interface, both of which have become ubiquitous. As such, Indian citizens may not find Sanchar Saathi intrusive or unwelcome.
Globally, few countries require the installation of government apps on personal devices, making India’s directive notable. As smartphone manufacturers have yet to publicly respond to the directive, it remains to be seen how they will navigate this new requirement.
Looking ahead, the directive could set a precedent for future government interventions in the tech industry, particularly concerning cybersecurity and consumer protection. As India continues to digitize various aspects of daily life, the balance between security and privacy will remain a critical issue.
