India Mandates Cyber Safety App on Phones
- Directive affects Apple, Samsung, Vivo, Oppo, Xiaomi
- Government says app combats cyber security threats
- Industry concerned over lack of prior consultation
- India has more than 1.2 billion telecom users
Government Order and Industry Impact
India’s telecom ministry has directed smartphone manufacturers to preload a state-owned cyber security app on all new devices. The Sanchar Saathi app, which cannot be deleted, must be installed within 90 days under the order issued on November 28. Companies including Apple, Samsung, Vivo, Oppo, and Xiaomi are required to comply, with existing devices in the supply chain receiving the app through software updates. The move is intended to address rising cybercrime and misuse of stolen phones, but it has raised concerns among privacy advocates.
Privacy Concerns and Industry Pushback
Critics argue that the mandate removes meaningful user consent, forcing consumers to accept government software without choice. Technology lawyer Mishi Choudhary described the measure as troubling, while privacy groups compared it to Russia’s recent requirement for a state-backed messenger app. Apple, which holds about 4.5% of India’s smartphone market, has historically resisted similar government requests. Analysts suggest the company may seek a compromise, such as encouraging users to install the app voluntarily rather than preloading it.
Functionality and Adoption of the App
Sanchar Saathi is designed to block and track lost or stolen smartphones using a central registry linked to IMEI numbers. It also enables users to identify and disconnect fraudulent mobile connections, helping reduce scams and network misuse. Since its launch in January, the app has been downloaded more than 5 million times and has blocked 3.7 million stolen or lost phones. Government figures show it has also terminated over 30 million fraudulent connections, underscoring its role in cyber safety efforts.
India is one of the world’s largest mobile markets, with more than 1.2 billion subscribers. In October alone, the app helped recover 50,000 lost phones, according to official data. The government argues that mandatory installation is essential to protect telecom networks from duplicate or spoofed IMEI numbers, which are often used in fraud. Globally, similar measures have been introduced, with Russia mandating pre-installed apps and other countries exploring ways to strengthen digital security through device-level controls.
