What is Sanchar Saathi?
Sanchar Saathi is a
citizen-centric cyber-security initiative by Department of Telecommunications
(DoT), India’s government body for telecom regulation. The initiative began as
a web portal in mid-2023 and later expanded into a mobile app (available for Android
and iOS).
The aim: to empower
mobile users with tools to safeguard their devices, personal telecom identity,
and protect against fraud, scams, and unauthorized use.
What Sanchar Saathi Actually Does
Sanchar Saathi bundles
multiple features designed for user security and transparency:
- IMEI authenticity check Verify if a handset is genuine or blacklisted.
- Lost or stolen phone
blocking/tracking
If a phone is lost, stolen or missing, you can block it across all
networks, making it unusable even if the SIM changes. Check all mobile connections
under your name Helps users detect and
remove any unwanted or fraudulent SIMs or connections issued in their
name.
- Report suspicious calls, SMS,
or fraudulent messages If
you receive fake calls, messages, or potential scams via
phone/SMS/WhatsApp, you can report them through the app.
- Access trusted contact details
of banks and financial institutions Aid
in distinguishing genuine institutions from scam contacts.
In short from device
authenticity to telecom-fraud protection Sanchar Saathi aims to be a one-stop
safety companion for smartphone users.
Why the Government Wants to Make It Mandatory
As of late 2025, the
Indian government has directed all smartphone manufacturers and importers
to pre-install Sanchar
Saathi on every new device sold in India. For phones already in the market, the
app is to be added via software updates.
The reasoning given by
DoT and the government:
- Rising mobile-related fraud, IMEI tampering,
second-hand phone scams and fake devices create security risks for
citizens. Sanchar Saathi’s tools can help curb these risks at scale.
- By ensuring every smartphone has the app onboard, even
first-time users without awareness of such tools get access automatically
reducing dependency on user initiative.
- Consistent tracking and easy reporting of fraudulent or
suspicious telecom activity could potentially reduce cybercrime related to
telecom resources and identity theft.
The government thus
positions Sanchar Saathi not just as a convenience, but as a security measure
in a digital age where phones are central to financial, identity, and social
activities.
Why It’s Controversial Privacy & Surveillance Concerns
This push for mandatory
installation has triggered a wave of criticism and concern among experts,
civil-liberties groups, and tech commentators. Main points of worry include:
- Broad permissions and data
access On Android, the app
requests permissions like call logs, SMS access, phone call management,
camera/photos access to function, raising fears about data misuse.
- Potential for government
surveillance Making a state-managed
app mandatory on all devices may give authorities deeper visibility into
millions of phones, raising privacy and civil-liberty issues.
- Erosion of user consent The mandate transfers the decision from
individuals to device manufacturers, effectively limiting user choice.
- Security vs Autonomy trade-off Critics argue that while anti-fraud measures are
necessary, compelling a universal app undermines autonomy over personal
devices.
As one watchdog put it
though the aim is legitimate, the means may be disproportionate.
What This Means for You (As a User)
If you buy a new smart
phone in India or receive a software update soon:
- You will likely find Sanchar Saathi pre-installed and
may even see it on initial device setup.
- You can choose to register or skip registration.
According to officials, the app can be uninstalled/ deleted if you don’t
wish to use it.
- If you do register, the app can help you: verify phone
authenticity, block a lost/stolen handset, check SIMs under your name, and
report suspicious telecom fraud.
- But be aware the app asks for permissions that may
access personal data (call logs, messages, files, etc.), especially on
Android. If privacy is a concern, weigh whether to activate it or not.
My Take: Balancing Safety and Privacy
Sanchar Saathi at its
core is a meaningful step toward securing India’s massive Smartphone user base
against rising telecom fraud, counterfeit phones, and identity theft. Features
like IMEI check, device blocking and fraud reporting are genuinely useful,
especially in a country where second-hand Smartphone sales and scam calls are
frequent.
However, mandatory
pre-installation for every device sets a slippery precedent. While many users
may welcome the security, forcing an app regardless of intent risks undermining
personal autonomy and digital privacy. Ideally, such tools should remain
optional, with clear transparency and user consent.
If done right with
strong privacy safeguards, minimal data collection, and opt-out ability Sanchar
Saathi could serve as a positive protector. Otherwise, it may end up as a
digital surveillance foot in the door.
Here are the 10 VVI questions with
detailed answers related to Sanchar Saathi
Explained: What It Is and Why It Is Being Made Mandatory:
1. What is the Sanchar Saathi portal and who launched it?
Sanchar Saathi is a
digital security portal launched by the Government of India, operated by the
Department of Telecommunications (DoT). It aims to protect mobile users from
fraud, track lost phones, block stolen devices, and check SIM card misuse.
2. What are the key objectives behind launching the Sanchar Saathi
initiative in India?
The main objectives
include:
- Preventing mobile-related cybercrime
- Reducing identity fraud through fake SIM cards
- Helping users track and block lost or stolen phones
- Increasing transparency and security in telecom
networks
- Protecting digital identities of citizens
3. Which major services are available on the Sanchar Saathi portal
for mobile users?
The three major services
are:
- CEIR (Central Equipment
Identity Register) –
Track, block & find lost phones
- TAFCOP – Identify total SIMs registered under your
Aadhaar and report misuse
- KYI / KYC Authentication – Check SIM activation fraud and fake document
issues
4. How does the CEIR system on Sanchar Saathi help in tracking
lost or stolen mobile phones?
CEIR uses the IMEI number of the mobile device. When users report a
stolen phone, CEIR blocks the IMEI across all telecom networks, making the
device unusable even with a new SIM. When the device is recovered, the IMEI can
be unblocked again.
5. What is the purpose of TAFCOP under the Sanchar Saathi
platform?
TAFCOP allows users to:
- Check how many SIM cards are issued under their Aadhaar
identity
- Report and block unauthorized or fraud SIM connections
- Protect from SIM-linked financial fraud and identity
theft
6. Why is Sanchar Saathi being made mandatory for mobile users in
India?
Due to increasing cybercrime, phone theft,
fake SIM fraud, and online scams, the government aims to create a secure telecom ecosystem. Making
it mandatory ensures every mobile number and device is verified, traceable, and
protected.
7. How does Sanchar Saathi help prevent digital fraud, fake SIMs,
and identity misuse?
The portal validates
user identity through Aadhaar records, detects suspicious SIM activity, and
provides tools to verify ownership. This reduces:
- Online payment fraud
- OTP scams
- SIM swapping crime
- Fake KYC scams
8. What steps must users follow to block or track a lost mobile
phone via Sanchar Saathi?
Steps to follow:
1.
Visit the portal
at sancharsaathi.gov.in
2.
Go to the CEIR section
3.
File a request to block
mobile using IMEI number, mobile number & FIR details
4.
IMEI gets blocked
instantly across networks
5.
When recovered,
request unblock IMEI
9. Is the Sanchar Saathi portal a government platform or a private
service?
Sanchar Saathi is
a 100% Government of India official platform, developed and maintained by the Department of
Telecommunications (DoT). It is not private and fully free for citizens.
10. What impact will the Sanchar Saathi system have on cybercrime
and telecom transparency?
The system will help:
- Reduce phone theft and illegal mobile trade
- Stop unauthorized SIM issuance
- Improve KYC accuracy & security
- Strengthen telecom monitoring
- Reduce digital payment scams significantly
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