The Union government a has issued a confidential directive instructing major smartphone makers to preload a government-run cyber security app on all new devices — and to ensure it cannot be removed. The move, revealed in an order dated November 28, is set to test the country’s uneasy relationship with Apple and raise fresh privacy concerns.
The Sanchar Saathi app, launched in January, is central to the government’s effort to curb telecom fraud and track stolen devices. Officials say it has helped recover more than 7,00,000 lost phones so far, including 50,000 in October alone.
According to the order companies including Apple, Samsung, Vivo, Oppo and Xiaomi have been given 90 days to ensure the app comes pre-installed on all new models, Reuters reported. Devices already in the distribution pipeline must receive the app via software updates. The instruction was not made public and was shared privately with selected firms.
The telecoms ministry argued in its communication that the app is necessary to tackle what it described as severe security risks from cloned or spoofed IMEI numbers, which enable large-scale scams and network misuse.
The directive puts particular pressure on Apple, whose iOS powers roughly 4.5 percent of India’s 73.5 crore smartphones. A source familiar with the company’s policies told Reuters Apple does not allow any government or third-party apps to be installed on its devices before sale. Analysts noted that Apple has historically turned down such requests and might instead explore negotiations that would allow users to be nudged — but not compelled — to install the app.
IMEI numbers — the unique 14- to 17-digit identifiers assigned to each handset — allow authorities and network operators to disable stolen devices. The Sanchar Saathi app lets users check IMEIs, report suspicious calls, block stolen phones and access a central device registry.
Since launch, the app has crossed half a crore downloads, enabled the blocking of more than 37 lakh stolen or lost devices, and helped terminate over 3 crore fraudulent mobile connections. The government says it reduces cyber threats, aids police in tracing phones and helps keep counterfeits out of circulation.
