India's Controversial Cybersecurity App Mandate

India's telecoms ministry has mandated that all new smartphones manufactured or imported for use in the country must come preloaded with the government-owned cybersecurity app, Sanchar Saathi. This order, issued on November 28, 2025, gives smartphone manufacturers a 90-day period to comply. The app is designed to help users track and block lost or stolen devices and combat telecom fraud, including the misuse of duplicate or spoofed International Mobile Equipment Identity (IMEI) numbers. The government claims that the app has already aided in recovering over 700,000 lost phones since its launch in January 2025.

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Sanchar Saathi serves multiple functions, including blocking and tracking lost or stolen smartphones and identifying fraudulent mobile connections. The app has reportedly been downloaded over 5 million times and has helped terminate more than 30 million fraudulent connections. The Indian government asserts that the app is essential for enhancing telecom cybersecurity and preventing serious threats, such as phone theft and call-center fraud.

Reuters

The order has raised significant concerns among privacy advocates and major smartphone manufacturers, including Apple, Samsung, Vivo, Oppo, and Xiaomi. Critics argue that the mandate effectively removes user consent, as the app cannot be deleted once installed. Mishi Choudhary, a lawyer specializing in technology advocacy, expressed that the government's approach undermines meaningful user choice. Apple, which has historically resisted similar government requests, may seek to negotiate an alternative that allows users to opt-in rather than mandating pre-installation.

Reuters

The order has sparked outrage among political opponents of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's government. Priyanka Gandhi, a prominent member of the Congress Party, labeled Sanchar Saathi a "snooping app," suggesting it could be used for mass surveillance rather than merely preventing fraud. The backlash has prompted the government to clarify its position, with Communications Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia stating that while the app is intended to protect users, it is also "completely optional."

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While the government maintains that the app is crucial for cybersecurity, critics remain skeptical about its potential for misuse. The controversy highlights a broader debate over privacy rights and government surveillance in India. As the implementation deadline approaches, the response from smartphone manufacturers and the public will likely shape the future of the Sanchar Saathi app and its role in India's digital landscape.

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• “The government effectively removes user consent as a meaningful choice,” — Mishi Choudhary, Technology Advocate

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• “Sanchar Saathi is a snooping app,” — Priyanka Gandhi, Congress Party General Secretary

New York Times

• “this app exists to protect them from fraud and theft,” — Jyotiraditya Scindia, Minister of Communications

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