The government’s new mandate on Monday for smartphone manufacturers to pre-install the Sanchar Sathi app drew huge backlash from the Opposition leaders. The Centre’s controversial move to push the app to all new phones and add it to old phones via a software update has sparked widespread chaos.
Point 1: Here’s what the Govt tells companies
The official press release issued on Monday makes it clear that the DoT issued directives on November 28 mandating the manufacturers and importers of mobile handsets to pre-install the app on those intended for use in India. The Centre told companies that under the provisions of the Telecom Cyber Security, they want to:
- Ensure that the Sanchar Saathi mobile app is pre-installed on all mobile handsets.
- Ensure that the app is readily visible and accessible to the end users during first use or device setup and that its functionalities are not disabled or restricted.
- For all devices already manufactured and in sales channels in India, the manufacturer and importers of mobile handsets shall endeavour to push Sanchar Sathi via software updates.
The government wants the above directives to be completed within 90 days. Moreover, a compliance report also needs to be submitted by companies such as Apple, Samsung, Vivo, etc, within the stipulated time period of 120 days.
Point 2: What is Sanchar Saathi?
Sanchar Sachi, described as citizen citizen-centric initiative by DOT to empower mobile subscribers is a mobile security platform and application that allows users to:
- Block lost or stolen phones across all networks
- Verify IMEI authenticity and check if a phone is genuine
- See the number of mobile numbers linked to their ID
- Report suspicious calls or communication
- Help police track stolen devices
The PIB note says, “The Department of Telecommunications (DoT) is undertaking the Sanchar Saathi initiative for curbing misuse of telecom resources for cyber frauds and ensuring telecom cyber security. DoT has developed the Sanchar Saathi portal & App, which enables citizens to check the genuineness of a mobile handset through the IMEI number along with other facilities like reporting suspected fraud communications, lost/ stolen mobile handsets, check mobile connections in their name, trusted contact details of banks/ financial institutions.”
However, as the Sanchar Saathi app demands a lot of data from the phone, such as access to the camera, call logs, messages, etc, it has sparked significant concerns among citizens and backlash from the Opposition.
Point 3: Will you be able to delete the app from your phone?
The government had earlier mandated that all mobile phone manufacturers and importers ‘pre-install’ the ‘Sanchar Saathi’ application on devices sold and used in India. The Department of Telecommunications stated through a public order. But is it mandatory? Telecom Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia has clarified about the Sanchar Saathi app. He said that the app is not mandatory for users.
“The app is completely optional. If you want to delete it, you can. If you don’t wish to register, you shouldn’t register and can remove it anytime,” Scindia said in conversation with reporters outside the Parliament.
Point 4: How does the Sanchar Sathi app work?
- After installation, the Sanchar Saathi app connects a user’s device IMEI with CEIR
- If a phone is stolen or lost, users can file a block request via the Sanchar Sathi app.
- Immediately after, CEIR restricts the IMEI across all networks. This makes the device unusable even when the SIM card is changed.
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