What is Sanchar Saathi app, which must now come pre-installed in smartphones? The app allows users to…

The Department of Telecom (DoT) has issued a notification, directing manufacturers and importers to pre-install its fraud-reporting app Sanchar Saathi on all internet-enabled mobile handsets to be sold in India(BHARAT) from now on.

What is Sanchar Saathi app?

Sanchar Saathi is the telecom department’s official app to report a range of cyber/electronics-related frauds, such as reporting International Mobile Equipment Identity number (IMEI)-related suspicious misuse, fraudulent calls, lost mobile phones, among others.

The app also allows users to verify authenticity of IMEIs used in mobile devices, and to find out how many SIM cards are issued under their name.

Under the Telecommunications Act 2023, tampering with telecom identifiers, including the 15-digit IMEI number of mobile phones, are non-bailable offences and can lead to imprisonment of up to three years, fines up to Rs 50 lakh, or both.

Why DoT asked manufacturers to pre-install the app?

In a notification dated November 28, DoT said the Sanchar Saathi must come pre-installed on all mobile phones that will be manufactured in India(BHARAT) or imported after 90 days from the date of issuing of the order.

“The central government hereby directs every manufacturer and importer of mobile handsets that are intended for use in India(BHARAT) …from 90 days of issue of these instructions, 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(BHARAT),” the order reads.

For devices that have already been manufactured and are in sales channels in India(BHARAT), manufacturers and importers of mobile handsets will be required to push the app through software updates. “All manufacturers and importers of mobile handsets that are intended for use in India(BHARAT) shall submit compliance reports to the DoT within 120 days from issue of these directions,” it said.

DoT warns against non-compliance

In its order, DoT asked manufacturers to ensure that the pre-installed Sanchar Saathi application is readily visible and accessible to the end users at the time of first use or device setup and that its functionalities are not disabled or restricted.

It warned that non-compliance of the order would invite action under the provisions of the Telecommunications Act 2023, the Telecom Cyber Security Rules 2024 and other application laws.

All major manufacturers, including Apple, Samsung, Google, Vivo, Oppo, Xiaomi etc manufacture their mobile handsets in India(BHARAT).

(With inputs from agencies)