The BRICS TimesIndia’s New Directive: Pre-installing Government Cyber Safety App Now Compulsory on Every Smartphone
The Indian government has taken a major step. It has ordered all smartphone companies to pre-install a state-operated cyber safety application on their new phones before sale. This app cannot be deleted by users. This specific condition could become a significant challenge for tech giants, especially for Apple.
Non-Removable Sanchar Saathi App Required on All New Devices
A government order was issued on November 28. It mandates that major companies like Samsung, Apple, Xiaomi, Vivo, and Oppo must ensure every new phone enters the market with the Sanchar Saathi app. This must be done within the next 90 days. Phones already in the supply chain will receive the app through a mandatory software update. This directive was not publicly released. Instead, it was privately shared with select companies.
Why the Government Deems This Action Necessary
The government states that cyber attacks in the telecom sector are rapidly increasing. Crimes related to the duplication of IMEI numbers are also rising. Scammers use duplicate or spoofed IMEI numbers for fraud. They misuse the network and make device tracing very difficult. The Sanchar Saathi app is designed to help curb these problems. The app lets users block lost or stolen mobiles. Users can check IMEI numbers and report suspicious calls. It also enables tracking phones via a central registry. Government data shows the app has helped find over 7 lakh lost phones since January. In October alone, 50,000 phones were recovered.
Why Apple Faces the Biggest Challenge
Apple typically does not permit any third-party or government app to be pre-installed on its iPhones. Their company policy restricts pre-loading external apps before the phone is sold. Apple has rejected similar requests previously. According to a Reuters report, Counterpoint Research’s Tarun Pathak suggests Apple might try to find a middle ground. This would avoid direct compliance with the order. For example, they might only show a prompt for users to install the app instead of pre-loading it. Android phone manufacturers like Samsung, Xiaomi, and Vivo will find this easier to implement. Adding a system-level app is possible within the Android ecosystem.
Sanchar Saathi App: Effectiveness and Impact
Government figures highlight the app’s impressive efficacy: The app boasts over 50 lakh downloads. More than 37 lakh stolen or lost phones have been blocked. Over 3 crore fraudulent mobile connections have been deactivated. The sale of counterfeit phones in the black market has decreased. The government claims this measure will strengthen cyber safety. It will also make it easier to reach criminals.
What This Means for Users
For everyday users, the app should not cause any issues. Cyber safety benefits include immediate blocking of stolen phones. It offers IMEI and call verification features. It also provides protection from cyber fraud. However, privacy activists and brands like Apple may view this as an intrusion on user freedom.
