Have you checked your smartphone recently? In the coming months, when you buy a new device, you might notice a new government app already waiting for you on the home screen. The Department of Telecommunications (DoT) has recently directed smartphone manufacturers to pre-install the Sanchar Saathi App on all new handsets sold in India.
This move has sparked a massive debate about safety versus privacy. But what exactly is this app, and why is the government pushing for it so aggressively? Whether you are worried about digital fraud or just want to know if your new phone is safe to use, understanding Sanchar Saathi is now essential for every Indian mobile user.
In this guide, we break down what the Sanchar Saathi app does, its key features like Chakshu and CEIR, and the truth behind the “mandatory” installation news.
What is the Sanchar Saathi App?
The Sanchar Saathi App is a citizen-centric initiative launched by the Department of Telecommunications (DoT). Originally launched as a web portal (sancharsaathi.gov.in), it has now been rolled out as a mobile application to make its security features more accessible.
Its primary goal is to empower mobile subscribers by strengthening their security and increasing awareness about telecom-related crimes. Think of it as a digital shield that helps you:
- Track and block lost or stolen smartphones.
- Check how many SIM cards are registered in your name.
- Report suspicious fraud calls and messages.
- Verify if a second-hand phone is genuine before you buy it.
While the portal has been active for some time, the government’s recent push aims to put these tools directly into the hands of millions of smartphone users by default.
Key Features: What Can You Do With Sanchar Saathi?
The app consolidates several powerful tools that were previously scattered across different government websites. Here are the four main features you need to know:
1. Block Stolen Phones (CEIR)
The Central Equipment Identity Register (CEIR) is perhaps the most popular feature. If your phone is lost or stolen, you can use the app to block its IMEI number.
- Benefit: Once blocked, the phone becomes useless on any Indian telecom network, even if the thief changes the SIM card.
- Tracking: The system also helps law enforcement trace the device if it is switched on.
2. Know Your Mobile Connections (TAFCOP)
Have you ever wondered if someone else is using a SIM card in your name? The TAFCOP (Telecom Analytics for Fraud Management and Consumer Protection) module allows you to check all mobile connections linked to your Aadhaar or ID.
- Action: If you see a number you don’t recognize, you can report it directly through the app to have it disconnected.
3. Chakshu: Report Suspected Fraud
“Chakshu” (meaning “Eye”) is a newer feature designed to fight cybercrime. It allows citizens to report suspected fraud communications.
- What to report: Bank fraud calls, sextortion threats, impersonation of government officials, or phishing links received via SMS or WhatsApp.
4. Know Your Mobile (KYM)
This feature is critical for the second-hand phone market. Before buying a used device, you can enter its IMEI number in the app.
- Result: It tells you if the phone is valid, blacklisted, or a duplicate. This protects you from accidentally buying a stolen device.
Why Does the Government Want It Pre-Installed?
The directive to pre-install the Sanchar Saathi app comes amidst a sharp rise in digital financial fraud and cybercrime in India. The government’s rationale is threefold:
- Curbing Financial Fraud: Most financial scams (OTP frauds, UPI scams) rely on mobile networks. By giving users an easy way to report fraud (Chakshu) and identify fake numbers, the DoT hopes to reduce these crimes.
- Stopping the Black Market: By making it easier to check IMEI validity, the government aims to crush the market for stolen and counterfeit phones.
- National Security: The app also allows users to report international calls that falsely display a local Indian (+91) number, a technique often used by anti-national elements to bypass security checks.
Is the Sanchar Saathi App Mandatory for Users?
This is the biggest question on everyone’s mind. Initial reports suggested that the app would be “non-removable,” leading to fears of government surveillance and “Big Brother” tactics.
However, Union Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia has issued a crucial clarification:
- Mandatory for Makers: Smartphone manufacturers (like Apple, Samsung, Xiaomi) must install the app on new phones.
- Optional for Users: Users are not forced to keep the app. You can delete or uninstall it if you choose to.
The Privacy Concern: Critics argue that because the app requires extensive permissions—including access to your camera, location, and call logs—it could potentially be used for surveillance. However, the government maintains that these permissions are necessary for the app’s functionality (e.g., camera for scanning QR codes, location for tracking lost devices) and that user data is protected.
How to Use the Sanchar Saathi App
If you want to take advantage of these security features, here is how to get started:
- Download/Locate: If you have a new phone, look for the “Sanchar Saathi” icon. If not, download it from the Google Play Store or Apple App Store (once fully rolled out) or visit the Sanchar Saathi Portal.
- Login: You typically need to enter your mobile number and verify it with an OTP.
- Select a Service: Choose from the dashboard options like “Block Lost Mobile” or “Chakshu.”
- Follow Prompts: For example, to check your connections, just enter your mobile number, and the app will display a list of all linked numbers.
Conclusion
The Sanchar Saathi app is a significant step toward sanitizing India’s digital ecosystem. While the “pre-installation” mandate may feel intrusive to some, the tools it offers—especially for tracking stolen phones and identifying fake SIMs—are genuinely useful for the average citizen.
Our Recommendation: You don’t need to panic about surveillance. Download the app (or keep it if pre-installed), use the TAFCOP feature to ensure no fake SIMs are running in your name, and then decide if you want to keep it. In a digital age, being proactive about your mobile identity is the best defense against fraud.
Have you checked your linked mobile numbers yet? Visit the Sanchar Saathi portal today to verify your connections.