The Indian telecommunications ministry has issued a directive requiring all major mobile device manufacturers to preload the Sanchar Saathi app on all new phones sold in India within 90 days. This government-backed cybersecurity application is designed to tackle telecom fraud by allowing users to report suspected spam, fraudulent calls, and malicious links received via calls, SMS, or WhatsApp. It also enables users to block stolen devices and verify the number of mobile connections registered under their name. Notably, the app cannot be deleted or disabled by users, raising concerns about user autonomy and privacy. The app has been installed over 11.4 million times, primarily in Indian states like Andhra Pradesh and Maharashtra, and has contributed to blocking over 4.2 million lost devices and recovering more than 700,000. The directive also includes pushing the app to devices already in the supply chain via software updates. The initiative aims to combat telecom fraud tactics such as spoofed IMEI numbers and illegal telecom exchanges that disguise international calls as domestic ones to defraud users. This move parallels Russia's mandate to pre-install the MAX app on devices, which has been criticized for enabling state surveillance and restricting popular messaging services. While no known exploits or vulnerabilities have been reported for Sanchar Saathi, the forced installation and non-removability of the app pose potential privacy and security concerns. The threat is currently assessed as low severity due to the lack of direct exploitation and limited impact outside India. However, the precedent of mandatory government apps with deep device integration could influence telecom security and privacy policies globally.

For European organizations, the direct impact of the Sanchar Saathi app mandate is minimal since it targets devices sold in India. However, the broader implications include potential privacy and security concerns if similar government-mandated apps are introduced in Europe or if multinational device manufacturers adopt similar practices under other jurisdictions. European users with devices imported from India or organizations with employees traveling to or from India might encounter the app, raising privacy and compliance questions. The app's non-removability and deep integration could introduce risks if vulnerabilities are discovered later, potentially exposing users to surveillance or unauthorized data access. Additionally, the precedent set by India and Russia for mandatory government apps could influence European regulatory debates around telecom security, user privacy, and state surveillance. Organizations should monitor developments as these policies might affect supply chain security, device management, and user trust. The app's focus on combating telecom fraud aligns with European efforts to reduce telecom-related cybercrime, but the approach contrasts with European privacy norms emphasizing user consent and control.

European organizations should take proactive steps to mitigate any indirect risks associated with government-mandated apps like Sanchar Saathi. First, implement robust mobile device management (MDM) solutions to monitor and control app installations and permissions, especially for devices used by employees traveling internationally or imported from affected regions. Educate users about the presence and purpose of such apps, emphasizing privacy considerations and reporting suspicious activity. Advocate for transparency and user control in government cybersecurity initiatives through industry groups and regulatory bodies. Conduct regular security assessments of devices to detect unauthorized or non-removable applications that could pose risks. Collaborate with device manufacturers to understand firmware and software update policies, ensuring compliance with European privacy regulations such as GDPR. Monitor geopolitical developments and regulatory changes in telecom security to anticipate similar mandates in Europe. Finally, develop incident response plans that consider potential privacy breaches or misuse of government-mandated apps, ensuring rapid containment and remediation.