In a major step, the Indian government has directed all smartphone companies to pre-install government cyber security apps before selling new phones. This app cannot be deleted, and this can become a problem for tech companies, especially Apple.
Every new phone will have a Sanchar Saathi app that cannot be removed
According to a government order issued on November 28, all major companies including Samsung, Apple, Xiaomi, Vivo and Oppo will have to ensure that the Sanchar Sathi app is installed in every new phone within the next 90 days. This app will be mandatory installed through software update in the phones already in the supply chain. This order was not made public, but was sent privately to some selected companies.
Why did the government consider this step necessary?
According to the government, cyber attacks on the telecommunication sector and crimes related to duplicating IMEI numbers are increasing rapidly. Scammers use duplicate or fake IMEI numbers to commit fraud, misuse networks, and make tracing difficult. Sanchar Saathi app helps prevent these problems. Users can block stolen or lost mobile phones, check IMEI numbers, report suspicious calls and track phones through a central registry. According to government data, the app has helped locate more than 700,000 lost phones since January, with 50,000 recovered in October alone.
Why is Apple in the biggest trouble?
Apple generally does not allow any third-party or government apps to be pre-installed on its iPhones. As per its policy, pre-loading any external app before selling the phone is prohibited. Apple has refused such requests in the past as well. According to a Reuters report, Counterpoint Research’s Taran Pathak says that instead of directly accepting this order, Apple may try to find a middle ground, such as asking users to install the app instead of pre-loading it. This will be easy for Android phone makers like Samsung, Xiaomi and Vivo to implement as it is possible to add system-level apps to Android.
How effective is Sanchar Sathi App?
The government figures are quite impressive:
over 5 million downloads
Over 3.7 million stolen/lost phones blocked
More than 30 million fake mobile connections stopped
Sale of fake phones in black market is low
The government claims that this step will strengthen cyber security and make it easier for criminals to access them.
How will this affect you?
Common users will not face any problem with the app.
benefits:
The phone gets blocked immediately if it is stolen
IMEI and call verification feature
Protection from cyber fraud
But privacy activists and brands like Apple may consider it an interference in user freedom.