Amid controversy over the proposal for mandatory pre-installation of the Sanchar Saathi app on smartphones, Union Communications Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia clarified that the app is completely optional. The opposition had alleged that the app was a threat to privacy and compared it to spyware, but the government says the tool is designed to curb cybercrime and protect mobile users.

Even though the “mandatory installation” move has been withdrawn, it is important to understand what the app actually does, how it works, and whether it truly benefits users.

What is the Sanchar Saathi app?
• A government-developed cybersecurity and mobile safety tool
• First launched as a web portal in 2023; mobile app introduced in January 2025
• Available free on Android & iOS
• Connected to CEIR (Central Equipment Identity Register), India’s national IMEI database

What the Sanchar Saathi app has achieved so far
According to official data:
• 5 crore+ downloads
• 7 lakh+ stolen/lost phones recovered
• 30 million+ fake or fraudulent mobile connections disconnected
• 3.7 million+ stolen devices blocked

These numbers reflect the app’s usefulness in tackling mobile-related crime.

How the Sanchar Saathi app works

1. User installs the app and enters their mobile number

2. An OTP verifies the device

3. The app links the phone’s IMEI number to the central CEIR database

4. It checks whether the phone is genuine or listed as stolen

5. Users get access to tools like blocking a lost phone, checking SIMs linked to their ID, and reporting fraud

The app’s core strength lies in IMEI tracking—the same technology used by mobile operators and law enforcement to identify stolen devices.

Key features of Sanchar Saathi

1. Block or trace a stolen/lost phone
   • If your phone is lost, you can instantly block the device
   • If someone inserts a new SIM, the system traces network details
   • You receive alerts, helping police recover the phone faster
   • After recovery, you can easily unblock the device

2. Check how many mobile numbers are registered in your name
   • One click shows all SIMs issued using your Aadhaar/ID
   • Helps detect fraudulent or unauthorised SIMs
   • You can request disconnection of suspicious numbers

3. Report spam, fraud calls, SMS, WhatsApp scams
   • Report phishing calls, OTP fraud, fake KYC messages
   • Report bank scams, electricity bill scams, job scams, insurance fraud, impersonation fraud, etc.
   (Important: This does NOT replace an FIR. Major cybercrime must still be reported on cybercrime.gov.in.)

4. Device verification
   • Helps you check if a mobile phone being purchased second-hand is stolen or fake

Why the app is considered important
• Helps reduce mobile theft and SIM fraud
• Protects users from identity misuse
• Helps law enforcement track stolen phones
• Makes digital fraud reporting easier
• Reduces the black market of cloned or stolen devices
• Increases transparency of SIM registrations

Potential concerns or risks (as debated)
• Privacy concerns: storing IMEI numbers and device data in a central database
• Fear of government surveillance (government denies this)
• Worry about misuse of data if mandatory installation ever returns
• App requires permissions, which some users find intrusive
• Not a full cybercrime solution—only assists with mobile-related issues

Benefits vs. drawbacks for mobile users
Benefits
• Recover stolen phones faster
• Prevent misuse of your SIM identity
• Better protection from digital fraud
• Increased transparency of mobile connections
• Free government-backed security tool

Possible drawbacks
• Privacy concerns if users misunderstand what data is collected
• Requires trust in government data systems
• App might seem unnecessary to low-risk users
• Some features depend on network operators and may vary in effectiveness

Conclusion
Sanchar Saathi is primarily a safety and anti-fraud tool, not spyware. It has proven effective in recovering stolen phones and blocking fake SIM cards. However, transparency, optional usage, and clear communication are essential to reassure users about privacy.