India Mandates Pre-Installed Cybersecurity App on Smartphones

India's telecommunications ministry has mandated that smartphone manufacturers pre-install a government-backed cybersecurity app named Sanchar Saathi on all new devices within 90 days, according to The Hacker News. This app, which cannot be deleted or disabled by users, is designed to combat the rising incidents of telecom fraud and cybercrime in the country. It allows users to report suspected fraud, block stolen devices, and check the number of mobile connections taken in their name. Since its launch in May 2023, Sanchar Saathi has been installed over 11.4 million times and has successfully blocked more than 4.2 million stolen devices, recovering about 723,638 of them. The app also helps report incoming international calls that may be associated with fraudulent activities, as outlined by the government, which notes that these calls often originate from illegal telecom setups abroad disguised as local calls.

The Department of Telecommunications, or DoT, has emphasized that the app must be readily visible and accessible when users set up their devices, and its functionalities must not be restricted. The directive also applies to phones already in the supply chain, requiring manufacturers to push the app via software updates, as reported by RT. This initiative is part of India's broader effort to strengthen cybersecurity, particularly in the telecommunications sector, where between 2021 and mid-2025, over 2.2 million cybersecurity incidents were recorded, according to data from CERT-IN.

However, this move has faced resistance from major manufacturers, particularly Apple, which has indicated it will not comply with the directive. As detailed by MacWorld, sources reveal that Apple plans to communicate its privacy and security concerns to the Indian government, citing its internal policies against pre-installing government apps on devices. Apple has historically resisted similar requests worldwide, and its decision not to preload the Sanchar Saathi app aligns with its stance on maintaining user privacy.

Critics of the government's order argue that it could lead to unwanted surveillance and infringement on user rights. Telecom Minister Jyotiraditya M. Scindia has attempted to frame the app's installation as a voluntary measure, stating that users could choose to activate or delete it. However, the conflicting nature of the order—insisting that the app remain active and not be disabled—raises questions about its true nature. As the rollout progresses, the implications for both manufacturers and consumers remain to be seen, especially concerning the balance between enhancing cybersecurity and protecting individual privacy in a country with a significant second-hand mobile device market.