NEW DELHI: In a move that is causing some concern to the industry and privacy advocates, govt has asked smartphone makers to mandatorily pre-install its Sanchar Saathi app on their devices. Govt says this is being done to strengthen cyber security on the devices and prevent tampering and spoofing of the IMEI (International Mobile Equipment Identity) number.The order, originally issued on Nov 21, gives device makers – including Apple, Samsung, Google, Motorola, and Chinese firms Xiaomi, Oppo and Vivo – 90 days to comply with the regulation or face penalties.

Sanchar Saathi is pitched as a citizen-centric initiative of DoT that promises to “empower mobile subscribers and strengthen their security” while increasing awareness about govt initiatives. Govt: Sanchar Saathi must be visible, fully functional on devices An order recently issued by govt to handset manufacturers states, “Central govt hereby directs every manufacturer and importers of mobile handsets that are intended for use in India to… ensure that the Sanchar Saathi mobile application, as specified by DoT, is pre-installed on all mobile handsets manufactured or imported for use in India.” It also directs companies to ensure that the pre-installed app is “readily visible and accessible to end users” at the time of first use or device setup and that “its functionalities are not disabled or restricted”.Nikhil Pahwa, founder of tech policy analysis company Medianama, said the order was “bad news” for mobile phone users and their privacy. “Legally, one can argue that your mobile phone is your personal space, and this is an invasion of your personal space. It’s where we have our most private conversations and exchange sensitive information with people we trust. How do we know this app isn’t used to access files and messages on our device? Or a future update won’t do that? This is clearly an invasion of our privacy. Remember how govt exempts itself from much of the Data Protection Law. This explains why,” Pahwa said. The order is valid even for devices being imported into the country, or still in pre-sales transit.The direction has been given under Telecommunications (Telecom Cyber Security) Rules, 2024, and its further amendments.