In order to prevent the misuse of telecom resources for cyber fraud and to ensure telecom cybersecurity, the Department of Telecommunications has mandated that smartphone manufacturers, including Apple, Oppo, Vivo, and Xiaomi, pre-install the Sanchar Saathi app on their new devices launching in India. Additionally, the cybersecurity app, which was introduced earlier this year, must be pushed to already-manufactured devices via software updates. The Union government has given smartphone makers a 90 days to finish implementation and submit their report within 120 days.
Here are all the details you need to know about the Sanchar Saathi app if you’ve never heard of it before, including any permissions it might ask for on your new device.
What is Sanchar Saathi?
The government-run app Sanchar Saathi is the replacement for the same-named platform. Since its release, the software has been downloaded more than 5 million times and is compatible with both iOS and Android.
After installing the software, consumers can disable stolen or lost cell phones on all of the nation’s telecom networks. This makes it possible for law authorities to locate the blocked device anytime it is used anywhere in the nation.
The program also allows users to check all the mobile connections registered under their name and report those that do not belong to them.
Additionally, users can report fraudulent calls, SMS, or WhatsApp messages using the app’s Chakshu feature.
As for the purpose behind pre-loading the app on your new device, the government says: “TCS Rules empower the Central Government to issue directions to manufacturers of telecommunication equipment bearing International Mobile Equipment Identity number to provide assistance as required in relation to tampered telecommunication equipment or IMEI number. The Rules also mandate that such manufacturers or importers shall ensure compliance with the directions issued by the Central Government for the purpose of giving effect to the rules.”
“Mobile handsets bearing duplicate or spoofed IMEI pose serious endangerment to telecom cybersecurity. Spoofed or tampered IMEIs in a telecom network lead to situations where the same IMEI is working in different devices at different places simultaneously, and pose challenges in action against such IMEIs. India has a big second-hand mobile device market,” the official notification reads.
“Cases have also been observed where stolen or blacklisted devices are being resold. It makes the purchaser an abettor in crime and causes financial loss. The blocked or blacklisted IMEIs can be checked using the Sanchar Saathi app,” it added.
Initially, it was assumed that the Sanchar Saathi software would be uninstallable on new smartphones, but Union Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia has emphasised that this will not be the case.
What authorisations is Sanchar Saathi in need of?
After installing the Sanchar Saathi app on our Android handset, we found that the app demands access to a range of permissions, including call records, camera, notifications, phone calls, and SMS. Apart from this, the program requires an internet connection to connect with its servers.
