In a significant step toward tightening digital and telecom security, the Central government has directed smartphone manufacturers to pre-install an undeletable version of the Sanchar Saathi app on all devices sold in India from March 2026, according to multiple media reports.
The directive, issued by the Department of Telecommunications (DoT), applies to major smartphone makers including Apple, Samsung, Xiaomi, and other leading brands operating in the Indian market. Manufacturers must ensure that users are not able to uninstall, disable, or restrict the functioning of the app.
Mandatory installation through software updates for existing devices
The mandate will not be limited to newly released devices. For smartphones that have already been sold in the market, companies have reportedly been instructed to push the Sanchar Saathi app through software updates, ensuring widespread rollout among existing users as well.
What is Sanchar Saathi?
Sanchar Saathi is a government-owned cyber and telecom security platform, developed by the Department of Telecommunications. According to its official portal, the project is a citizen-centric initiative aimed at empowering mobile subscribers and enhancing safety in the telecom ecosystem.
The platform provides the following key features:
- Blocking lost or stolen smartphones
- Detecting and reporting suspicious or fraud calls
- Checking mobile connections issued under a user’s name
- Protection against cyber fraud and identity misuse
A major component of the application is Chakshu, a feature designed to help users report:
- Financial fraud attempts
- Fraudulent calls and phishing messages
- Suspicious links and unverified APKs
- Device cloning attempts
- Scam communications via SMS, RCS, iMessage, WhatsApp, Telegram, and other platforms
The app is available in both mobile and web formats through sancharsaathi.gov.in.
Concerns and reactions
While the government maintains that the move is aimed at curbing cybercrime and strengthening digital safety, industry observers indicate that smartphone companies may raise concerns over:
- User privacy
- Software freedom and device control
- Compliance costs and manufacturing adjustments
Cybersecurity experts have also noted that the “undeletable” nature of the app may stir debate about digital autonomy, though many agree that rising cases of telecom and financial fraud make such protective systems increasingly important.
Industry response awaited
Smartphone manufacturers are expected to hold discussions with the government in the coming months to clarify compliance terms and rollout mechanisms. Formal guidelines and technical standards are likely to be issued before the March 2026 implementation deadline.