Sanchar Saathi App Mandated on All Smartphones: A Detailed Legal and Policy Analysis
Introduction: Government Mandates Pre-Installation of Sanchar Saathi The Department of Telecommunications (DoT) has issued a new directive requiring all original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) and importers to pre-install the Sanchar Saathi app on every new mobile handset manufactured or imported for sale in India. The circular, issued on Monday, instructs companies such as Apple, Samsung, Xiaomi, Vivo, Oppo and others to ensure that the app is clearly visible to users at the time of first use or device setup , and that its core functionalities must remain fully operational without restrictions. What is Sanchar Saathi? (From the above para: “Whatis Sanchar Saathi?”) Launched in May 2023 , Sanchar Saathi is a centralized telecom security and consumer protection platform developed by the DoT. It integrates multiple services designed to prevent telecom fraud, track misuse of mobile resources, and assist users in safeguarding their devices. Key functionalities include: Repo...