Is the Sanchar Saathi app intended for surveillance, or is it a government security tool for mobile users in India?
The Sanchar Saathi app is a government security tool for mobile users in India, not primarily intended for surveillance. It is designed to empower mobile subscribers by providing them with security features such as blocking lost or stolen phones, tracking mobile connections registered in their name, verifying device authenticity via IMEI, and reporting telecom fraud and suspicious activities like phishing calls or messages. The app helps users protect themselves from mobile theft, fraud, and identity misuse by enabling phone blocking across all Indian telecom networks and facilitating the reporting of fraudulent communications.
The app is a citizen-centric initiative by the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) aimed at strengthening user security and increasing awareness about government initiatives to combat telecom-related cybercrimes. While some privacy concerns have been raised about data handling and potential government surveillance infrastructure within consumer devices, the official purpose of the app is to enhance telecom security, assist in fraud prevention, and empower users rather than to conduct surveillance.
Core functions include:
-
Blocking lost/stolen mobile phones to prevent misuse
-
Viewing all mobile connections in a user’s name to detect unauthorized accounts
-
Authenticating mobile handsets through IMEI verification
-
Reporting fraudulent communication and international call spoofing
-
Providing these services in multiple Indian languages for accessibility
This tool aligns with India’s goal of creating a safer telecom environment for its large mobile user base and has reportedly helped recover over 700,000 phones and block millions of fraudulent connections since its launch. It is mandatory on smartphones sold in India as a default security measure rather than a surveillance app.
