The Union government’s decision to have smartphone makers pre-install the Sanchar Saathi app has sparked significant debate, with critics warning that it could be used for surveillance. Cybersecurity experts have weighed in on what the app can realistically achieve in combating telecom fraud and where challenges remain in protecting users.
Union Communications Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia clarified that installing the “fraud reporting” app would be optional for users and can be removed from devices. The Ministry explained that the move aims to protect citizens from purchasing counterfeit handsets and to make reporting suspected misuse of telecom resources easier.
Opposition leaders, however, have been highly critical. Congress MPs Priyanka Gandhi Vadra and K.C. Venugopal described the app as a tool for snooping and “dystopian,” claiming it could lead to increased government surveillance and infringement on citizens’ privacy.
Cybersecurity experts acknowledge the app’s benefits but highlight its limitations. Vijender Yadav, CEO of Accops, noted that Sanchar Saathi and SIM-binding regulations are effective at tackling large-scale fraud involving fake devices and blacklisted IMEIs, which helps disrupt criminal networks. However, these measures cannot address “authorised fraud,” where genuine devices and SIMs are used by complicit or coerced users. Yadav emphasized that verifying hardware legality does not equate to verifying malicious intent, which requires ongoing contextual evaluation.
Amit Relan, CEO of mFilterIt, also noted that while stricter SIM activation rules and controls on fake handsets reduce low-end fraud, they do not fully prevent SIM-swap attacks, social engineering, phishing, malware, or the misuse of real identities in mule accounts. He described the Sanchar Saathi mandates as a necessary first layer that addresses obvious loopholes but pointed out that sophisticated fraud now uses multi-vector attacks, combining malware, social engineering, and identity abuse.
Nikhil Jhanji, senior product manager at IDfy, added that telecom fraud is increasing due to attackers exploiting breached data, impersonation tactics, and high-speed attack methods that outpace traditional controls. He described Sanchar Saathi as a wake-up call, highlighting gaps in mobile identity management and the need for citizens to have clear visibility of how their connections are being used.
Experts agree that while the app strengthens the ecosystem against basic threats, more advanced identity verification and proactive monitoring are required to protect users from complex and evolving cyber fraud schemes.
