Government Mandate for Pre-Installation
The Department of Telecommunications has instructed all mobile phone manufacturers and importers to embed the Sanchar Saathi app in every device manufactured or imported into the country. Taking effect from November 28, the order has to be fully implemented within 90 days.
- The application needs to start right after the phone has been turned on. It cannot be uninstalled by the user. In addition, it has to be sent onto already-manufactured or imported devices that are in stores via a software update. The manufacturers and importers have to provide a report of compliance with the Department within 120 days.
- Purpose and Complaint Mechanisms The Sanchar Saathi app allows users to report cases related to the misuse of the 15-digit International Mobile Equipment Identity number. Every device has its own unique IMEI; tampering with it is considered an offense under the Telecommunications Act 2023, which levies a penalty: imprisonment for up to three years and/or ₹50 lakh fine. Users can also lodge complaints through the app regarding fraudulent calls and stolen mobile devices. The government has also issued directions that apps like WhatsApp, Signal, and Telegram should work only on phones that have the SIM linked to the user's account.
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