New Rules for Smartphone Buyers: Sanchar Saathi App Now Mandatory

In a significant move to crackdown on cybercrime and mobile theft, the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) has issued a strict directive to all mobile phone manufacturers. Going forward, every smartphone manufactured in or imported into India must come with the Sanchar Saathi app pre-installed.

Strict Guidelines for Manufacturers

The government’s order, released on November 28, 2025, leaves no room for loopholes. Tech giants like Apple, Samsung, Xiaomi, and Oppo have been given a 90-day window to implement this change. Furthermore, companies must file a compliance report within 120 days.

The directive explicitly states that the app must be clearly visible to the user during the initial phone setup. Manufacturers are prohibited from disabling, hiding, or restricting the app's features in any way. For devices that are already on shop shelves, companies are expected to push the app to users via software updates.

How the App Protects You

The primary goal of the Sanchar Saathi app is to empower citizens against telecom fraud. It serves as a comprehensive tool for mobile users in Odisha and across the nation to verify the safety of their devices. Key features include:

• IMEI Verification: Buyers can instantly check if a second-hand or new phone has a valid IMEI number or if it is a blacklisted device.
• Fraud Reporting: Users can report suspicious calls and messages directly.
• Lost Device Tracking: The app assists in reporting and blocking stolen phones.
• Connection Audits: You can view all mobile numbers currently registered under your name.
• Legal Consequences and Security Risks

The DoT emphasized that duplicate or spoofed IMEI numbers are a major security threat, often used in criminal activities. Under the Telecommunications Act 2023, tampering with the 15-digit IMEI number is now a non-bailable offense. Violators could face imprisonment of up to three years, a fine of up to Rs 50 lakh, or both.

Political Backlash and Privacy Concerns

While the government frames this as a security measure, the opposition has raised strong objections. The Congress party has criticized the move, labeling it unconstitutional. General Secretary KC Venugopal described the mandatory app as a "Big Brother" surveillance tool that violates the fundamental right to privacy. Similarly, Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Aaditya Thackeray criticized the decision, suggesting it borders on dictatorship.

Despite the political debate, the rollout is set to proceed, aiming to clean up the ecosystem of fake devices in the Indian market.