The Union government issued a directive that has drawn sharp reactions from the smartphone ecosystem and privacy defenders. The Centre has instructed every mobile handset maker and importer to pre-load the Sanchar Saathi application on all devices meant for use in India.
The mandate issued under the Telecommunications (Telecom Cyber Security) Rules, 2024, gives global and domestic brands, including Apple, Samsung, Google, Motorola, Xiaomi, Oppo and Vivo, a 90-day deadline to follow the order or face penalties.
Officials claim the requirement is aimed at strengthening cyber protection, preventing IMEI manipulation, and stopping device spoofing. The DoT presents Sanchar Saathi as a subscriber-focused tool designed to enhance user security and build awareness about government digital initiatives.
Yet the directive has ignited strong criticism. Nikhil Pahwa, founder of the tech policy platform Medianama, warned that the move could erode user privacy, calling it “bad news” for phone owners. He emphasised that mobile devices store a person’s most confidential communication and data, saying, “How can users be sure this app won’t access files or messages or that an update won’t allow it later? It is a clear intrusion into personal privacy. The government has already exempted itself from much of the Data Protection Law, and that explains a lot.”
The requirement covers all devices, including units already being imported or still in the logistics chain. Manufacturers must also ensure the app is visible during initial setup, easily accessible, and cannot be switched off or limited by users.
With the compliance window now open, the order sets the stage for a renewed debate over state-driven cyber safeguards versus individual privacy rights in India’s digital landscape.
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