News Desk – The telecom ministry has directed smartphone companies to preload a government cyber-security app, Sanchar Saathi, on all new phones sold in India. The app will also be non-removable, meaning users cannot delete or disable it. The order, dated November 28, has not been made public but was privately sent to major manufacturers.
Companies Given 90 Days to Comply
Smartphone makers such as Apple, Samsung, Vivo, Oppo and Xiaomi have been given 90 days to ensure the app comes pre-installed on new devices.
For phones already manufactured or in the supply chain, companies must push the app through a software update, the order states.
Why the Government Wants This
The telecom ministry says Sanchar Saathi is important for tackling cyber fraud involving fake or duplicate IMEI numbers, which are used in scams and illegal activities.
The app helps users:
Check IMEI details
Block stolen phones
Report suspicious calls
Since its launch in January, the app has:
Helped recover over 700,000 lost phones, including 50,000 in October
Blocked 3.7 million stolen or lost devices
Terminated 30 million fraudulent mobile connections
India has over 1.2 billion mobile subscribers, making it one of the world’s biggest telecom markets.
Why Apple May Oppose the Order
Apple’s internal policies do not allow pre-installation of government or third-party apps on iPhones before sale. Experts say Apple has refused similar requests from governments in the past.
Analysts believe Apple may try to negotiate:
“Instead of a mandatory pre-install, they might ask for a user prompt or suggestion to install the app,”
said Tarun Pathak from Counterpoint Research.
Apple has around 4.5% market share in India, while most other phones run on Android.
Industry Reaction
Apple, Google, Samsung, Xiaomi, and the telecom ministry have not responded publicly to the directive.
What Is IMEI and Why It Matters?
An IMEI number is a unique 14–17 digit code for each mobile device. It is used to:
Identify a phone
Disable network access for stolen devices
Prevent misuse of duplicate or spoofed numbers
The government says Sanchar Saathi improves tracking of stolen phones and stops counterfeits from entering the market.
