Smartphone manufacturers must now pre-install the government’s Sanchar Saathi app on all devices sold in India. This mandate, effective within 90 days, aims to bolster cyber security and prevent IMEI tampering. However, privacy advocates express strong concerns, viewing it as an invasion of personal space and a potential threat to user data. (Representative image) NEW DELHI: In a move that is causing some concern to the industry and privacy advocates, govt has asked smartphone makers to mandatorily pre-install its Sanchar Saathi app on their devices. Govt says this is being done to strengthen cyber security on the devices and prevent tampering and spoofing of the IMEI (International Mobile Equipment Identity) number.The order, originally issued on Nov 21, gives device makers – including Apple, Samsung, Google, Motorola, and Chinese firms Xiaomi, Oppo and Vivo – 90 days to comply with the regulation or face penalties. Sanchar Saathi is pitched as a citizen-centric initiative of DoT that promises to “empower mobile subscribers and strengthen their security” while increasing awareness about govt initiatives. Govt: Sanchar Saathi must be visible, fully functional on devices An order recently issued by govt to handset manufacturers states, “Central govt hereby directs every manufacturer and importers of mobile handsets that are intended for use in India to… ensure that the Sanchar Saathi mobile application, as specified by DoT, is pre-installed on all mobile handsets manufactured or imported for use in India.” It also directs companies to ensure that the pre-installed app is “readily visible and accessible to end users” at the time of first use or device setup and that “its functionalities are not disabled or restricted”.Nikhil Pahwa, founder of tech policy analysis company Medianama, said the order was “bad news” for mobile phone users and their privacy. “Legally, one can argue that your mobile phone is your personal space, and this is an invasion of your personal space. It’s where we have our most private conversations and exchange sensitive information with people we trust. How do we know this app isn’t used to access files and messages on our device? Or a future update won’t do that? This is clearly an invasion of our privacy. Remember how govt exempts itself from much of the Data Protection Law. This explains why,” Pahwa said. The order is valid even for devices being imported into the country, or still in pre-sales transit.The direction has been given under Telecommunications (Telecom Cyber Security) Rules, 2024, and its further amendments. End of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosWatch: MPs Speak Out as SIR Row Dominates Winter Session OpeningIndia’s Elections Earn Global Praise, CEC Calls It A ‘Moment Of Pride’ Amid Vote Row ClaimsHaryana Bodybuilder Killed After Standing Up To Harassers; Family Says Attack Was Planned MurderModi Trolls Opposition Over Bihar Setback Days Before Parliament ShowdownWoman Marries Boyfriend’s Corpse After Family Kills Him, Alleges Police Provoked BrotherMajor Twist In BrahMos Espionage Case As Higher Court Acquits Scientist Of Passing Defence SecretsRamaphosa Praises PM Modi’s Endorsement of South Africa Hosting G20 Summit, Counters Trump’s Claims‘Is There Any Law?’ Renuka Chaudhary Sparks Row After Bringing Stray Dog to ParliamentBSF IG Warns Of Looming Threat As 120 Terrorists Wait In PoK Despite Dip In Infiltration AttemptsPakistan Rages At UN After Criticism Of Munir’s Immunity Amendment Amid Fears Of Deeper Militarism123PhotostoriesIncrease protein intake: 4 easy ways to add more of it to everyday diet3 powerful anti-inflammatory drinks and how to make them at homeFrom Dead Sea Scrolls to Hope Diamond, 7 priceless objects in the world7 dinner dishes made with leftover roti offering over 20 gms protein5 animals that camouflage so perfectly that they almost become invisibleHow to make fiber-rich Gobhi ka Paratha for breakfastPrepare your child for the next solar eclipse: 10 interesting facts to share5 low-glycemic superfoods that can help prevent blood sugar spikesPriyanka Chopra, Smriti Irani to Rajat Bedi: Actors are reviving their careers with major comebacks in 2025Shah Rukh Khan to Kareena Kapoor Khan: 5 most stylish Bollywood celeb looks of the day you can’t miss123Hot PicksParliament Winter SessionCyclone DitwahWorld NewsGold rate todaySilver rate todayPublic Holidays NovemberBank Holidays NovemberTop TrendingCardi BShedeur SandersDrake MayePat McAfeeCandace Owens Net WorthGisele BndchenConnor McDavidLian BichselJayden StrubleAnthony Davis
NEW DELHI: In a move that is causing some concern to the industry and privacy advocates, govt has asked smartphone makers to mandatorily pre-install its Sanchar Saathi app on their devices. Govt says this is being done to strengthen cyber security on the devices and prevent tampering and spoofing of the IMEI (International Mobile Equipment Identity) number.The order, originally issued on Nov 21, gives device makers – including Apple, Samsung, Google, Motorola, and Chinese firms Xiaomi, Oppo and Vivo – 90 days to comply with the regulation or face penalties.
Sanchar Saathi is pitched as a citizen-centric initiative of DoT that promises to “empower mobile subscribers and strengthen their security” while increasing awareness about govt initiatives. Govt: Sanchar Saathi must be visible, fully functional on devices An order recently issued by govt to handset manufacturers states, “Central govt hereby directs every manufacturer and importers of mobile handsets that are intended for use in India to… ensure that the Sanchar Saathi mobile application, as specified by DoT, is pre-installed on all mobile handsets manufactured or imported for use in India.” It also directs companies to ensure that the pre-installed app is “readily visible and accessible to end users” at the time of first use or device setup and that “its functionalities are not disabled or restricted”.Nikhil Pahwa, founder of tech policy analysis company Medianama, said the order was “bad news” for mobile phone users and their privacy. “Legally, one can argue that your mobile phone is your personal space, and this is an invasion of your personal space. It’s where we have our most private conversations and exchange sensitive information with people we trust. How do we know this app isn’t used to access files and messages on our device? Or a future update won’t do that? This is clearly an invasion of our privacy. Remember how govt exempts itself from much of the Data Protection Law. This explains why,” Pahwa said. The order is valid even for devices being imported into the country, or still in pre-sales transit.The direction has been given under Telecommunications (Telecom Cyber Security) Rules, 2024, and its further amendments.
