Mandatory Sanchar Saathi Pre-Installation Sparks Clash with Tech Giants Like Apple, Raises Privacy Concerns
 

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India’s Ministry of Communication is concerned about the growing number of cyber threats in the country. This has led to the mandatory inclusion of the Sanchar Saathi App in all the recently manufactured smartphones.

The authorities state that this app helps in tracking devices, blocking mobile connections that have been registered under the user’s name, and verifying the handset with the help of its IMEI number. However, some companies like Apple are reluctant to agree to this initiative as it displaces their position as a privacy-first smartphone manufacturer.

How the Sanchar Saathi App Combats Cyber Fraud and IMEI Misuse

The Sanchar Saathi app offers key tools to fight telecom-related cyber-threats and IMEI misuse. This government-developed cybersecurity app is now mandatory on all new smartphones sold in India. Its Central Equipment Identity Register (CEIR) service lets users block lost or stolen mobile phones. This action prevents unauthorized use by blocking the device's unique IMEI number across all networks.

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The Know Your Mobile (KYM) feature helps users verify a device’s authenticity before they purchase it. This feature is meant to combat the black market for counterfeit and stolen phones. Furthermore, the app helps users manage SIM cards registered in their name through the TAFCOP portal.

This allows users to check and report unauthorized mobile numbers linked to their identity. Users can also report suspicious calls or messages without further delay to prevent scams. Since its launch, the app has blocked over 3.7 million stolen phones and terminated over 30 million fraudulent connections.

Compliance Challenge: Why Apple and Manufacturers May Push Back

The directive orders all smartphone manufacturers to pre-install the Sanchar Saathi app on all new devices within 90 days. It also states that users should not be able to disable or uninstall the government app. 

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This mandatory, non-removable pre-installation is expected to create significant friction. The most significant compliance challenge is likely to come from Apple for the reason that its policies prohibit the pre-installation of non-proprietary apps, including those from the government.

The company has a history of resisting such mandatory app installation requests from governments. Sources familiar with Apple's operations state that their rules forbid pre-sale embedding of any third-party or government app. Industry analysts suggest Apple will probably seek a middle ground.

They might negotiate for an option in which users will be prompted to install the app voluntarily without any choice. The move is also a cause for concern for privacy advocates. They argue that the non-removable nature of the app removes user consent as a meaningful choice.

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