The Department of Telecommunications (DoT) has instructed all mobile phone manufacturers and importers in the country to pre-install the Sanchar Saathi app in every new handset. The initiative would improve data safety and facilitate the reporting of lost or stolen phones. OEMs such as Apple, Oppo, Vivo, Xiaomi, and Samsung are now required to do this within a period of 90 days.
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Accessible, functional app a must
The DoT mandate said the Sanchar Saathi app should be visible and fully functional when a user boots up their device for the first time. However, the department said, "There is a misconception being deliberately circulated that this App cannot be deleted. This is baseless," Hindustan Times quote a DoT official as saying on condition of anonymity.
Features designed for user convenience
As per a report by the Hindustan Times, this portal facilitates users in reporting and blocking lost/stolen mobile phones, checking malicious web links, verifying the number of mobile connections registered in their name, and accessing trusted contact details of banks and financial institutions. It was launched in May 2023.
An official from the DoT explained that the application is aimed at bringing down the reporting time. Currently, the time taken for reporting varies as users have to log into the website to report the stolen or lost phones. The app will simplify this process.
"Right now, reporting time varies because users have to go to the website to report fraud or stolen mobile phones", he added.
The official went on to say users do not need to remember their IMEI numbers since the app was âadvanced enoughâ to manage reporting efficiently. Other services provided by the app include checking mobile connections issued in a userâs name, verifying handset genuineness, and reporting suspicious communication or spam. Unlike the web portal, there is no OTP verification required within this app, which can save precious time in urgent cases.
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Tackling cyber fraud
According to the report by the Hindustan Times, it is estimated that cybersecurity fraud has resulted in losses amounting to almost âč35,000 crore in the last three to four years. The DoT expects the Sanchar Saathi app to speed up fraud reporting and facilitate easy access for citizens to safeguard themselves against fraudulent incidents.
The report further states that the department is hoping for full cooperation by the OEMs in enforcing this directive, which is being viewed as a major step in enhancing mobile data security across India.
