India, Dec. 2 -- The Department of Telecommunications (DoT) this week mandated that all cellphone manufacturers and importers pre-install the Sanchar Saathi app on devices within 90 days. The app allows users to verify their phone's IMEI number and report fraud. The stated objective - curbing IMEI fraud and improving telecom security - constitutes a legitimate state aim. Indians lost Rs.22,845 crore to cyber fraud in 2024, a 206% surge from the previous year across 3.6 million complaints. DoT officials described the app as making fraud reporting "easier". However, a specific clause in the directive specifying that "functionalities cannot be disabled" sparked confusion, but the matter was quickly clarified by Union communications minister ...