The telecom department has mandated all manufacturers and importers of mobile handsets to ensure that the Sanchar Saathi mobile app is pre-installed on all mobile handsets that are intended for use in India. As per an order dated November 28, the Ministry of Communications, said that all mobile handsets must have pre-installed Sanchar Saathi application readily visible and accessible to the end users at the time of first use or device setup, and that its functionalities are not disabled or restricted. The notice mandates completing the implementation within 90 days and submitting the report within 120 days.Post the announcement, focus is on iPhone maker Apple. According to a report in Reuters, Apple does not plan to comply with the directive and will tell the government that it does not follow such mandates anywhere in the world as they raise a host of privacy and security issues for the company’s iOS ecosystem. Apple tightly controls its App Store and proprietary iOS software. Sanjeev Kumar, Senior Partner at Luthra and Luthra Law Offices India, noted that all eyes are on Apple. “The Cupertino-based company has historically resisted directives it views as compromising device integrity or data security. Its compliance—or potential legal pushback—will be a critical standpoint to be seen unfolding in the coming days.” He said the government’s rationale is rooted in a severe telecom security crisis.
“The primary stated goal is to verify genuine mobile handsets via their IMEI numbers, creating a national framework to crack down on spoofed or tampered devices – a major entry point for cybercrime. The app features tools for reporting stolen phones, fraudulent communications, and suspicious connections,” he said.
Apple may take the middle path
Some reports suggest that Apple is unlikely to flatly refuse the government. As per a PTI report, quoting industry sources, Apple will discuss the order on the Sanchar Saathi app installation and likely work out a middle path with them. The company may not be able to implement the order in the current form, but is likely to find a solution. Earlier, Apple had resisted supporting functions of the pesky call and SMS reporting of the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (Trai) DND app. After years of deliberation, it has started supporting the Trai DND app with some restrictions.Sanchar Saathi discussed with mobile companies, Apple not participated: MoS TelecomTalking to reporters the minister of State for Communications Chandra Sekhar Pemmasani said that Sanchar Saathi app-related matters have been discussed with all mobile phone companies, except Apple, in a working group. “A working group was formed and all the original equipment manufacturers were asked to raise their concerns. Apple is the only company, as far as I know, that did not participate in that working group, but all others participated,” Pemmasani said.
Users can delete the app from their phones
Diffusing the privacy furore over the app, communications minister Jyotiraditya Scindia said that users are free to delete the app it if they so wish, and that it will remain inactive till they register on it. “If you want to delete it, then delete it,” Scindia told reporters outside Parliament.
What telecom rules say
The Telecom Cyber Security (TCS) rules empower the central government to issue directions to manufacturers of telecommunication equipment bearing an International Mobile Equipment Identity (IMEI) number to provide assistance as required in relation to tampered telecommunication equipment or IMEI number. The Rules also mandate that such manufacturers or importers shall ensure compliance with the directions as may be issued by the Central Government for the purpose of giving effect to the rules.
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