Sanchar Saathi App, Objectives, CEIR & Its Role, Privacy Concerns

Sanchar Saathi is a citizen-friendly app developed by the Department of Telecommunications to protect mobile users from fraud and misuse. Its main objectives are to help people check SIM connections, verify device IMEI, and block lost or stolen phones. The CEIR system linked to the app keeps a national IMEI database to stop fake, cloned, or blacklisted mobile devices. The platform improves security, but there is an issue of privacy, if a third party uses it for themselves, and hence stronger guidelines should be issue to protect user information.

Why Sanchar Saathi App in News?

The Sanchar Saathi App has recently been in the news because the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) issued new Directions on 28 November 2025. 

These directions make it mandatory for all mobile phone manufacturers and importers to pre-install the Sanchar Saathi app on every device meant for sale in India.

What is Sanchar Saathi App?

Sanchar Saathi is a mobile application and portal developed by the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) to protect telecom users from fraud, identity misuse, and mobile theft. The features includes:

• Check whether a mobile phone is genuine using its IMEI number
• Report lost or stolen phones and block them
• Check all mobile numbers linked to their identity
• Report fraud calls, scam messages, or suspicious communication
• View trusted customer-care numbers of banks and financial institutions
• Chakshu is a citizen-friendly platform launched by the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) to help users report and verify suspicious communications such as scam calls, fake customer-care numbers, and phishing messages. 

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Sanchar Saathi Portal Objectives

The main objectives of the Sanchar Saathi Portal are:

• To protect citizens from fake, duplicate, or tampered mobile devices
• To prevent SIM frauds and identity misuse
• To help users easily report lost or stolen phones
• To support cyber safety by identifying and blocking suspicious activity
• To improve transparency in the telecom system by allowing users to monitor their own mobile connections

Central Equipment Identity Register (CEIR) Role and Functions

The Central Equipment Identity Register (CEIR) is a national database of IMEI numbers. It plays a key role in controlling mobile theft and fraud. Its functions include:

• Blocking a lost or stolen phone across all Indian telecom networks
• Preventing the use of blacklisted or fake IMEI numbers
• Helping police and security agencies track stolen devices
• Allowing citizens to unblock their devices once they are recovered

Sanchar Saathi App and Data Privacy Concerns

Although the Sanchar Saathi App improves user safety, some concerns have been raised regarding:

• Storage of IMEI numbers and identity-linked telecom data
• Possibility of unauthorized access to user data if strong security measures are not maintained
• Need for clear and transparent policies on data usage, retention, and deletion
• Potential risks if app permissions are misused by third parties

Way Forward

Going ahead, the Sanchar Saathi app should be made even more user-friendly and accessible to everyone. People must be made aware of how to check IMEI and use the app to report fraud. Strong cooperation between telecom companies, handset makers, and police will further reduce mobile theft and cyber scams.