Sanchar Saathi: What It Is, Why It Was in the Headlines, and Why Apple Refused to Pre-install It
What is Sanchar Saathi? Sanchar Saathi is a cyber-security and citizen-safety application launched by the Indian government in January 2025 . Its goal is to help citizens fight mobile-related fraud, theft, and unauthorized SIM/IMEI misuse. Major features include: Device & IMEI Tracking If your phone gets lost or stolen, you can block, locate, or track it using its IMEI number. SIM Check (Know Your Mobile Connections) The app lets users see how many mobile/SIM connections are registered in their name — helping detect unauthorized or fraudulent SIMs. Fraud Reporting Users can report suspicious calls, texts, or cyber-fraud activities , helping law enforcement crack down on scam networks. Anti-scam Alerts The app warns users about fraud patterns, fake calls, loan-scam numbers, and other threats. In short, Sanchar Saathi was designed as a nationwide cyber-safety tool , especially for people who are not very tech-savvy. Why Did the Government Want It Pre-installed on All...