New Delhi: The ministry of telecommunications has apparently asked smartphone companies to preload every new device with the state-owned cyber security app Sanchar Saathi, as reported by Reuters.
According to the news agency, the order, dated 28 November, gives companies 90 days to ensure that the Sanchar Saathi app is pre-installed on new phones in a way to prevent users from disabling it. For devices already in the supply chain, the order requires manufacturers to push the app to phones via software updates.
The Sanchar Saathi app, launched in January, has helped recover more than 700,000 lost phones, including 50,000 in October alone, as per government data.
According to Reuters, the order could spark a tussle with Apple, which typically dislikes such directives. Apple pre-installs its own proprietary apps on phones and its internal policies prohibit installation of any government or third-party app before sale.
Apple, Samsung and Xiaomi did not respond to requests for comments, the agency has reported. Neither did the telecom ministry.
Two anonymous industry sources have been quoted as saying that they “were concerned as there had been no consultation with companies before the order was issued.”
The government order said the app was essential to combat “serious endangerment” of telecom cyber security from duplicate or spoofed IMEI numbers, which enable scams and network misuse.
A 14- to 17-digit number unique to each handset, the IMEI, or International Mobile Equipment Identity, is most commonly used to cut off network access for phones reported to have been stolen.
The government app allows users to report suspicious calls, verify IMEIs and block stolen devices through a central registry.
With more than 5 million downloads since its launch, the app has helped block more than 3.7 million stolen or lost mobile phones, while more than 30 million fraudulent connections have also been terminated.
The government says it helps prevent cyber threats and assists tracking and blocking of lost or stolen phones, helping police to trace devices, while keeping counterfeits out of the black market.
On November 24 order, the telecom department had said mobile subscribers may be held liable if a SIM card procured in their name is found to have been misused for cyber fraud or other illegal activities.
“The government has also implemented the Sanchar Saathi initiative, providing digital tools for citizens to verify and secure their mobile connections,” the government said.
