New Delhi9 minutes ago
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Now cyber security app ‘Sanchar Sathi’ will be pre-installed (already downloaded) in every new smartphone. The central government ordered smartphone companies to sell smartphones with the government cyber safety app pre-installed.
According to news agency Reuters, this order has come out today. In this, mobile companies like Apple, Samsung, Vivo, Oppo and Xiaomi have been given 90 days time. Users will not be able to delete or disable this app. This app will be installed on old phones through software update.
However, this order has not been made public at present, but has been sent privately to selected companies. Its purpose is to prevent cyber fraud, fake IMEI numbers and theft of phones.
A senior government official said, ‘This app is necessary to stop scams and network misuse caused by fake IMEI.’
What is Sanchar Sathi App, how will it help?
- Sanchar Sathi app is a cyber security tool created by the government, which was launched on 17 January 2025.
- Currently it is available for voluntary download on Apple and Google Play Store, but now it will be mandatory in new phones.
- The app will help users report calls, messages or WhatsApp chats.
- Will block stolen or lost phones by checking IMEI number.
Cyber crime increasing due to duplicate IMEI number
There are more than 1.2 billion mobile users in India, which is the largest market in the world, but cyber crime is increasing due to fake or duplicate IMEI numbers. IMEI is a 15 digit unique code, which identifies the phone.
Criminals clone a stolen phone to keep it from being tracked, scammed or sold in the black market. The government says that this app will help the police to trace the device. In September, DoT had said that 22.76 lakh devices had been traced.
Impact on companies, Apple may face problems
Industry sources say that companies are worried due to lack of prior consultation. This is especially difficult for Apple, because the company’s policy prohibits pre-installation of government or third-party apps.
Apple had earlier also clashed with the regulator over its anti-spam app. Industry experts believe that Apple can negotiate with the government. Apple can also suggest voluntary prompts to users. However, no company has yet commented about the order.
Users will get direct benefits
Users will get direct benefits. In case of stolen phone, you will be able to block it immediately by checking the IMEI. Reporting fraud calls will reduce scams, but not deleting the app may raise questions from privacy groups.
User control will be less. Apps and features may be added in the future, such as better tracking or AI based fraud detection. DoT says that this will take telecom security to the next level.
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