Source: NDTV
Subject: Government Scheme
Context: The Department of Telecommunications (DoT) has mandated that all smartphones sold from March 2026 must come with the Sanchar Saathi app pre-installed.
About Sanchar Saathi App:
- What it is?
- Sanchar Saathi is a telecom security and citizen-protection platform offering tools to report fraud, check SIM misuse, and block stolen devices.
- Developed by: Department of Telecommunications (DoT), Government of India.
- Aim: To safeguard mobile users by enabling identity management, fraud reporting, device verification, and enhancing awareness on telecom and cyber risks.
- Key Features:
- Fraud & Scam Reporting: Chakshu tool enables reporting of fake KYC alerts, impersonation scams, phishing links and suspicious WhatsApp/SMS messages.
- SIM & Identity Protection: Users can check all SIMs/ mobile connections linked to their identity to detect unauthorised usage.
- Lost/Stolen Phone Blocking: Allows IMEI blocking of lost or stolen devices; more than 7 lakh devices recovered since launch.
- Device Authenticity Verification: Helps confirm whether a handset’s IMEI is genuine or blacklisted, crucial for India’s large second-hand phone market.
- Reporting Illegally Masked International Calls: Users can report cases where foreign calls appear as +91 numbers, aiding anti-fraud investigations.
- Reporting Spam & Malicious Links: Enables reporting of telemarketing spam, unsafe APKs, phishing websites and fraudulent apps.
- Additional Utilities: Local ISP locator, trusted helpline directory, updated awareness material on telecom security.
- Significance:
- Strengthens India’s defence against digital fraud, impersonation scams and mobile theft, which affect millions yearly.
- Helps curb circulation of tampered or cloned IMEIs, a major security threat cited by DoT.
- Protects buyers in the second-hand mobile market by verifying stolen/blacklisted devices.
