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:
- It allows individuals to check mobile numbers registered in their name.
- It enables blocking of stolen phones using International Mobile Equipment Identity.
- 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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