The Department of Telecommunications has instructed mobile handset makers and importers to pre install its Sanchar Saathi fraud reporting app on every new device meant for the Indian market within ninety days.
As per the order issued on November 28, any phone that is produced in India or brought into the country, after the 90 day window, must include the application by default.
The directive states that every manufacturer and importer supplying mobile handsets for use in India, must ensure the Sanchar Saathi app specified by the Department of Telecommunications, is included on all devices manufactured or imported once the 90 period ends.
For phones, already built and presently moving through sales channels, companies must deliver the application through a software update.
All manufacturers and importers covered under this order, must file compliance reports with the Department of Telecommunications within 120 days from the date of issuance.
Sanchar Saathi allows users to report suspicious activity, tied to the International Mobile Equipment Identity (IMEI) number and to check whether an IMEI used by a device is genuine.
Tampering with telecom identifiers, such as the 15 digit IMEI number is classified as a non bailable offence and may lead to jail time of up to 3 years financial penalties reaching up to 50 lakh rupees or both under the Telecommunications Act, 2023.
Through the app, mobile subscribers can also report fraudulent calls, missing devices and similar concerns.
The Department of Telecommunications has directed mobile brands to ensure the pre installed Sanchar Saathi app is clearly visible and easy to access during the first device setup and that none of its functions are blocked or limited.
The order notes that action will be taken under the Telecommunications Act 2023, the Telecom Cyber Security Rules 2024 and other applicable laws if companies do not comply. All major phone makers including Apple, Samsung, Google, Vivo, Oppo and Xiaomi currently manufacture handsets in India.
In a related move, the central government recently issued instructions requiring app based communication platforms, such as WhatsApp Signal and Telegram to stay continuously linked to a user’s active SIM card.
Within 90 days, every web version of these apps, must log users out automatically, at least once every 6 hours, after which users may sign in again by linking the device through a QR code.
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