What is the Sanchar Saathi App?

• A citizen-safety platform developed by the Department of Telecommunications (DoT).
• Helps users verify their mobile device and protect themselves from telecom-related frauds.
• Allows checking of IMEI authenticity, viewing all mobile numbers issued against one’s ID, and reporting suspicious communication.
• The app is now becoming central to India’s telecom-security framework as cyber scams rise.

Why the App is in News

• DoT’s latest Directions (28 November 2025) mandate pre-installation of Sanchar Saathi on all mobile phones manufactured or imported for sale in India.
• This makes the app a default fraud-prevention tool for every smartphone user in the country.
• The move aligns with the government’s broader push toward digital safety and device traceability.

Key Features of Sanchar Saathi

• Enables users to check whether their device is genuine using its IMEI number.
• Allows blocking of lost or stolen phones across all telecom networks.
• Lets users verify all SIM cards issued on their identity to prevent misuse.
• Facilitates reporting of scam calls, phishing messages, or fake customer-care numbers.
• Integrates with Chakshu, another DoT platform that flags suspicious or fraudulent communication.

Objectives of the Sanchar Saathi Portal

• To protect citizens from fake, tampered, or cloned mobile devices.
• To prevent identity misuse by monitoring SIM connections linked to an individual.
• To simplify the process of reporting stolen devices and stopping their use.
• To enhance cyber safety by enabling early detection of fraudulent activity.
• To bring transparency into telecom operations by giving users control over their own data.

Role of the Central Equipment Identity Register (CEIR)

• CEIR is India’s national IMEI database linked with Sanchar Saathi.
• Blocks lost or stolen mobile devices across all Indian telecom networks.
• Detects and prevents the use of blacklisted, fake, or duplicated IMEI numbers.
• Assists law-enforcement agencies in tracking stolen phones.
• Allows device unblocking once a recovered device is verified.

Data Privacy and Security Concerns

• IMEI and identity-linked information are stored centrally, raising concerns of misuse.
• Risks increase if app permissions are exploited by unauthorized third parties.
• Clear rules on data storage, access, retention, and deletion are needed.
• Strong encryption and audit mechanisms are essential to prevent unauthorized access.
• Wider usage of the app must be backed by explicit privacy safeguards to maintain user trust.

Way Forward

• Strengthen data protection guidelines to ensure privacy while maintaining security.
• Expand public awareness so that users regularly check SIM links and report fraudulent communication.
• Improve coordination among telecom companies, phone manufacturers, law-enforcement, and DoT.
• Regular updates to CEIR and integration with cyber-crime platforms will further reduce device-related frauds.
• User experience should be simplified so that even first-time smartphone users can navigate the app easily.