What Is the Sanchar Saathi App? Inside India’s Push to Curb Telecom Fraud — and the Controversy It Sparked

— by vishal Sambyal

Sanchar Saathi is India’s government-backed telecom safety app aimed at curbing cyber fraud, IMEI tampering, and stolen phone misuse. Here’s what it does and why it’s controversial.

Introduction: A New App at the Center of a National Debate

When the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) directed mobile manufacturers to pre-install the Sanchar Saathi app on all new smartphones within 90 days, it appeared to be a straightforward cybersecurity mandate. Instead, it triggered one of the year’s most heated policy debates. Designed as a tool to combat fraud, track lost devices, and authenticate mobile identities, Sanchar Saathi now sits at the intersection of national security, digital rights, and consumer privacy—and the country is split on whether the government’s push goes too far.

Context & Background: Why the App Exists in the First Place

Over the past few years, India has witnessed an alarming rise in cyber fraud, SIM swapping crimes, and the circulation of mobile devices carrying duplicate or tampered IMEI numbers. The International Mobile Equipment Identity—or IMEI—is a 15-digit identifier that uniquely tags every mobile handset. Criminals have increasingly cloned or spoofed IMEIs to evade tracking, or to run the same ID across multiple devices simultaneously.

The result? Fraud networks become harder to trace. Stolen phones re-enter the market through the booming second-hand ecosystem. And unsuspecting consumers often become accidental accomplices when they buy a device that was once blacklisted.

To reinforce telecom security and streamline public reporting, the DoT launched the Sanchar Saathi portal and mobile app—a digital gateway to verify device authenticity, report suspicious activity, and block lost or stolen phones.

Main Developments: Why the Government Wanted It Pre-Installed

In its original direction to mobile manufacturers, the DoT invoked the Telecommunication Cyber Security (TCS) Rules, 2024, which empower the central government to issue compliance instructions regarding telecom equipment. Under these rules:

  • Manufacturers must assist the government in identifying tampered IMEIs.
  • They must follow directives issued for cybersecurity purposes.
  • Devices with spoofed IMEIs are considered serious threats to national networks.

The government argues that pre-installing Sanchar Saathi is essential because:

1. Duplicate IMEIs Are a National Security Risk

Cloned identifiers make it possible for the same IMEI to appear in multiple locations at once, crippling investigative efforts and enabling fraud schemes to scale.

2. Stolen and Blacklisted Devices Flood the Second-Hand Market

India is one of the world’s largest refurbished phone markets. Criminals exploit this by reselling blocked or stolen devices, causing buyers financial loss—and legal trouble—if they unknowingly purchase compromised equipment.

3. Consumers Need a Uniform, Built-In Fraud-Reporting Tool

By bundling Sanchar Saathi into every new handset, the government expected to create a standardized defense mechanism against telecom crimes.

The DoT insisted that the app would not collect personal data and only serve as a verification and reporting tool. Yet, opposition parties and privacy advocates were not convinced.

Expert Insight & Public Reaction: Security Tool or Constitutional Overreach?

Opposition’s Argument: “Unconstitutional and Invasive”

Opposition leaders sharply criticized the mandatory pre-installation order, calling it an infringement on consumer rights and device freedom. They warned that:

  • Government-backed apps could be misused for surveillance.
  • Mandatory installation sets a worrying precedent for digital autonomy.
  • Citizens should have the option to delete any preloaded software.

Several digital rights groups echoed these concerns, arguing that cybersecurity cannot come at the expense of user consent.

Cybersecurity Experts Offer a Mixed View

Telecom security specialists, however, say Sanchar Saathi fills a long-standing gap.

“IMEI tampering is one of the toughest challenges in digital forensics,” notes a senior cybercrime analyst. “A standardized reporting mechanism helps us identify patterns faster.”

Still, experts agree that the government must maintain transparency to avoid privacy backlash.

Public Confusion and Concern

Many users welcomed the idea of an app that helps find lost phones. Others worried about bloatware, data handling, or the possibility of being tracked.

This tension ultimately forced the government to revoke the mandatory pre-installation order, though the app itself remains fully operational and voluntary.

What the Sanchar Saathi App Actually Does

The Sanchar Saathi platform consolidates several public-facing telecom protection tools into one interface:

1. Check a Phone’s IMEI Authenticity

Users can instantly verify whether their handset carries a genuine, non-tampered IMEI.

2. Report Lost or Stolen Mobile Devices

A centralized complaint automatically blocks the IMEI nationwide so the stolen device becomes unusable.

3. Flag Suspected Fraud Calls or Messages

The app supports reporting of scam numbers, fraudulent texts, and suspicious caller activity.

4. View All Mobile Connections Linked to Your ID

Users can check if unauthorized SIMs have been issued using their identity documents.

5. Access Trusted Contact Information for Banks and Institutions

This helps users identify verified communication numbers to avoid phishing traps.

6. Monitor Blacklisted IMEIs

Consumers can check if a used mobile phone they are purchasing appears in any national blacklist.

Under the new Telecommunications Act (2023), tampering with IMEIs is a non-bailable offense, with penalties including up to three years in jail and fines up to ₹50 lakh.

Impact & Implications: What Happens Next?

Even without compulsory installation, Sanchar Saathi is poised to become a core component of India’s cybersecurity push. The platform is part of a broader government effort that includes:

  • Caller identification initiatives
  • Integration of financial fraud risk mitigation tools
  • Agreements between DoT and investigative agencies to counter cybercrime

However, its future will depend on public trust. To succeed, the government must:

  • Ensure transparency about data handling
  • Keep the app optional and free of hidden permissions
  • Educate consumers about IMEI fraud risks
  • Strengthen enforcement against illegal device sellers

Manufacturers may still promote the app voluntarily, especially in high-risk markets where IMEI tampering is prevalent.

Conclusion: A Necessary Tool—But Trust Remains the Missing Link

Sanchar Saathi represents a powerful step toward securing India’s telecom landscape. It promises safer digital transactions, more accountability in the mobile ecosystem, and stronger protection for everyday users. Yet, the controversy surrounding mandatory installation shows that cybersecurity strategies must balance enforcement with rights, necessity with transparency, and innovation with public confidence.

Whether Sanchar Saathi becomes a widely adopted safeguard or remains a niche tool will depend on how effectively the government communicates its purpose—and how much ownership citizens feel over their digital freedom.

Disclaimer :This article is for informational purposes only. It does not constitute legal advice or endorse any government policy. Readers are encouraged to verify device details through official channels and follow cybersecurity best practices.