Sanchar Saathi App to be Pre-Installed on All New Phones in India
The Indian Department of Telecommunications (DoT) has directed smartphone manufacturers to pre-install the Sanchar Saathi cybersecurity application on all new devices sold in India. This move aims to enhance cybersecurity and combat fraudulent activities.
What is Sanchar Saathi?
Sanchar Saathi is a state-developed application designed to help users:
- Report fraudulent calls and messages
- Report stolen mobile phones
Key Requirements and Timeline
The DoT's directive includes the following critical requirements:
- The app must be pre-installed on all new smartphones.
- The app should be made available on older devices through software updates.
- Users should not be able to delete the application.
- Manufacturers have been given a three-month window to implement these changes.
Reasoning Behind the Directive
According to a senior government official, this directive is part of a larger initiative to "strengthen cybersecurity and anti-spam measures" across the country.
