Relevance: GS-2 (Governance, Digital Rights); Source: The Indian Express

The Ministry of Communications plans to make the Sanchar Saathi application mandatory on new smartphones from 2026, but major technology companies have raised privacy and system-security concerns.

About the Sanchar Saathi App 

  • Launched by the Department of Telecommunications, Government of India.
  • Aims to curb mobile fraud, identity misuse, and phone theft.
  • Integrates national databases for device tracing and subscriber verification.

Components, Features and Purpose

Component / Feature

 What it Does

Purpose for Citizens / Governance
Central Equipment Identity Register Blocks and traces lost or stolen phones using International Mobile Equipment Identity Reduces mobile theft and secondary black-market circulation
TAFCOP (Subscriber Verification) Allows individuals to check mobile numbers issued in their name Prevents identity misuse and fraudulent SIM activation
Fraud Reporting System Enables reporting of scam calls and suspicious numbers Supports early detection of fraud networks
SIM Binding Ensures messaging applications work only with the verified SIM on the device Prevents criminals from using cloned or illegally obtained mobile numbers

Concerns and Way Ahead

Issue Raised

 Explanation

Required Way Forward
Privacy Risks Mandatory installation may allow excessive access to device identifiers Independent data-protection audit and strict purpose limitation
System-Security Concerns Deep integration with operating systems may expose devices to vulnerabilities Clear technical guidelines and coordination with manufacturers
User Consent Making the application compulsory limits voluntary choice Transparent consent mechanisms and opt-out provisions
Data Governance Multiple databases raise risk of misuse or weak safeguards Strong adherence to the Digital Personal Data Protection Act and regular oversight

Q. Consider the following statements regarding the Sanchar Saathi platform:

  1. It allows individuals to check mobile numbers registered in their name.
  2. It enables blocking of stolen phones using International Mobile Equipment Identity.
  3. It is implemented by the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology.

Which of the above are correct?
 (a) 1 and 2 only
 (b) 1 and 3 only
 (c) 2 and 3 only
 (d) 1, 2 and 3
 Answer: (a)

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