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The Centre has taken a strong new step in its digital security plan. Smartphone makers have been asked to ship all new devices with the Sanchar Saathi app preinstalled. Phones already in use will receive the app through a software update in the coming months. Brands have been given three months to follow the new rule.
Sanchar Saathi has been around for less than a year, but it has already become an important tool for tracking and blocking stolen phones. The app uses a phone’s IMEI number to help users secure their device anywhere in India. The government says the app has helped block lakhs of stolen phones and has also helped police trace devices that enter the grey market. It can also report suspicious calls, SMS messages, and unwanted WhatsApp numbers. In simple terms, it is designed to protect users from fraud and identity misuse at a time when digital scams are rising at a fast pace.
This new directive is part of a larger strategy. The government recently asked messaging apps like WhatsApp and Telegram to use SIM binding. This means these apps will only work when the same SIM used during registration is present in the device. It is meant to stop anonymous misuse and spoofing, but it will also change how people use these apps across multiple devices. Features like WhatsApp Web may become less smooth because the service will now log out more frequently.
The bigger question is how smartphone makers will respond. Apple has always been strict about preinstalled third-party apps and normally does not allow anything outside its own ecosystem. Samsung, Xiaomi, and other Android brands will also need to adjust their software builds. Industry insiders already expect pushback because global companies have to follow international privacy and security standards. A government-mandated app complicates that process.
For users, the impact will be mixed. On the positive side, Sanchar Saathi solves real problems. Losing a phone in India often means losing access to banking apps, personal documents, and stored IDs. Being able to block or trace a device immediately can prevent serious financial damage. The fraud reporting system can also help reduce fake calls and spam that many users deal with every day.
However, mandatory apps always raise concerns. People want control over what comes installed on their device. They also want clarity on how their data will be stored and who can access it. Sanchar Saathi will need transparent communication and strong privacy safeguards to build trust. If users feel they are being forced into something without proper explanation, it may lead to resistance.
In my view, the idea behind Sanchar Saathi is good. India needs a strong digital security layer that works for everyone, including those who cannot navigate complex tech settings. But the implementation must be handled with care. Users should have the option to uninstall or disable the app if they do not need it. The government should also publish clear guidelines on data handling and privacy protection. If these points are addressed, the app could become one of the most useful tools for smartphone security in the country.
Over the next few months, we will see how brands adjust their software and how users react to the new rules. What is clear is that India is moving toward a tighter, more controlled digital environment. Whether users view this change as protection or restriction will depend entirely on how transparent and user-friendly the next steps are.
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