India, Dec. 1 -- The Department of Telecommunications (DoT) has issued a directive to all original equipment manufacturers (OEMs), directing them to mandatorily install the Sanchar Saathi app on all mobile devices, with the provision that users aren't able to uninstall the app.

According to the directive, OEMs like Apple, Oppo, Vivo, Xiaomi, Samsung will have 90 days to pre-install the app on new mobile phones.

The portal, set up in May 2023, allows the reporting and blocking of lost mobile phones, malicious web links, know the number of mobile connections in a user's name, and check trusted contact details of banks and financial institutions.

A DoT official told HT that the mandate is based on the belief that it will make fraud report...