The Ministry of Telecommunications announced a new rule requiring all major smartphone manufacturers, including Apple, Samsung, Vivo, and Oppo, to pre-install the government’s cybersecurity application, Sanchar Saathi , on all new smartphones.
Smartphone manufacturers have 90 days to comply with the requirement. Most importantly, the directive requires that the app be installed in such a way that consumers cannot disable it.
What exactly is the Sanchar Saathi Application?
Sanchar Saathi is an updated version of a government website that debuted in May 2023. Earlier this year, in January, the Department of Telecommunications published a mobile app for Android and iOS. This software is intended to help customers cope with and report incidents of mobile phone fraud and theft.
The app provides various major capabilities, including:
- prevent Theft/Loss: This app allows users to prevent lost or stolen mobile phones from all telecom networks in the country. It also allows law enforcement officials to track down the location of a restricted phone if it is used anywhere in India.
- The Chakshu feature allows users to report fraudulent calls, SMS, or WhatsApp communications to the authorities immediately.
- Manage Connections: Users can view all mobile numbers registered in their name and report any unfamiliar or illegal connections.
- Know Your Mobile (KYM): This function lets consumers check the authenticity of their smartphone.
Aiming to combat cybersecurity threats
The government is purportedly attempting to address the huge telecom cybersecurity danger posed by duplicate or fake IMEI numbers, which are said to permit large-scale scams and network abuse.
Attempting to change vital identification numbers in mobile phones, such as the 15-digit IMEI number, is a serious offense under the Telecommunications Act of 2023. This can result in penalties such as up to three years in prison, fines of up to 50 lakh rupees, or both.
Furthermore, the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) has directed mobile phone operators to ensure that Sanchar Saathi is easy to locate and use from the minute you set up your phone. This software should operate flawlessly to assist users.
