Now, every new smartphone will come with un-removable Sanchar Saathi app, learn what difference will make,will it revolutionize cybersecurity
Government Order for Smartphones: The Indian government has taken a major and strict step to curb cybercrime. The central government has directed all smartphone companies to release their new smartphones with the Sanchar Saathi cyber safety app pre-installed. Most importantly, this app cannot be removed from the phone, which has increased difficulties for companies like Apple.
According to the government order issued on November 28th, all brands, including Samsung, Apple, Xiaomi, Vivo, and Oppo, must mandatorily integrate the app into their new phones within the next 90 days. Devices already shipped to the supply chain will be installed with the app via an over-the-air software update. This order was not made public, but was sent privately to selected companies.
Why did the government take this step?
In the past few years, IMSI and IMEI-based cybercrime, phone cloning, and network misuse have increased rapidly. The government says that criminals create duplicate IMEIs to make tracking phones difficult and commit large-scale fraud. The Sanchar Saathi app has proven extremely effective in preventing these crimes.
What users can do
Block stolen or lost mobile phones
Check the validity of IMEI numbers
Report suspicious calls/connections
Track phones through a central registry
According to the government, more than 7 lakh lost phones have been recovered since January. In October alone, 50,000 phones were recovered.
What is Apple's policy?
According to Apple's policy, the company does not preload any third-party or government apps. Pre-installing any external app on an iPhone is against the rules.
Taran Pathak of Counterpoint Research said: "Instead of following the direct order, Apple could find a middle ground, such as simply providing an installation prompt instead of a pre-installation." This move is easier for Android companies like Samsung, Xiaomi, and Vivo to implement because the Android system allows for easy integration of apps.
How effective is the Sanchar Saathi app?
37 lakh stolen/lost phones blocked
Over 3 crore fake mobile connections shut down
Significant reduction in the black market for counterfeit phones
The government claims this app will revolutionize cybersecurity.
Ordinary users will have no problems with this app. The benefits are more substantial:
Advantages
Immediate blocking of phone if stolen
IMEI check and call verification
Protection against cyber fraud
However, some privacy activists and brands like Apple consider this an intrusion on user freedom.