The Indian government has taken a strict step to fight telecom fraud. The telecommunications ministry has ordered all smartphone makers to pre-install the Sanchar Saathi app on new devices.
The government today clears the air: the Sanchar Saathi app is not mandatory on smartphones in India. The pre-install order applies to all new smartphones sold in India, including imports, with compliance due within 90 days. Users can choose whether or not to keep it — and they can delete it anytime.
Union Telecom Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia says that the app only works if a user activates it — it does not run by default nor does it spy on calls or messages. This move aims to protect citizens from cybercrime and identity theft.
What Sanchar Saathi Does?
The Sanchar Saathi app acts as a safety tool for mobile users. The government designed it to stop illegal activities. It allows users to report spam, scams, and malicious links found in SMS or WhatsApp messages. A key feature is the ability to identify and report international calls that fake the Indian (+91) country code. The government says these calls often come from illegal telecom setups used for fraud. This app is a great boost to cybersecurity and helps track all your data through secure and private interface. Let us see some of the key features of this app.
Government Clarification On Mandating The App?
The clarification comes amid a heavy backlash from privacy advocates, civil-rights groups, and many citizens. Critics had raised objections about what looked like enforced state surveillance and violation of user privacy.
Under pressure, the government reversed its stricter interpretation and now emphasizes that the app is a consumer safety tool, not a surveillance device.
Pre-installation stays: New phones will continue to come with the Sanchar Saathi app pre-installed, per government order issued on November 28, 2025.
User choice matters: As soon as the phone reaches you, you can either activate the app — or delete it. The choice is entirely yours.
No mandatory tracking or monitoring: The government insists that the app does not enable spying or call/message monitoring on users
Recent marketing efforts — including push messages and notifications — tried to encourage people to use Sanchar Saathi. Critics say that heavy promotion added to privacy worries, while supporters say it raised awareness about phone security.
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Key Features Of The Sanchar Saathi App:
- Fraud Reporting: Report suspicious calls and messages easily.
- Device Blocking: Block stolen or lost mobile phones to prevent misuse.
- SIM Management: Check all mobile numbers registered under your name.
- Caller Safety: Identify fake international calls that use Indian codes.
- Device Verification: Verify if a phone’s IMEI number is genuine before buying.
Also Read: WhatsApp On Apple Watch: How To Set It Up & Use It Like A Pro!
Cashify Applauds The Sanchar Saathi Mission Through Vital Support
In the era where cybersecurity is the topmost priority of our Government, Cashify has provided vital support at every step to the Government of India.
Cashify stands proud as the first re-commerce organisation to collaborate and partner with the Department of Telecommunications for the Sanchar Saathi Initiative.
We believed in this mission and extended our whole-hearted support three months ago, and since then, we have always moved ahead towards making cybersecurity a priority, and safeguarding our citizens’ data and privacy.
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