India, Dec. 1 -- The telecom ministry has directed smartphone companies to preload government-backed cyber safety app, Sanchar Saathi, on all new devices sold in India. The app will be locked on the phone and users will not be allowed to remove it.

The order, dated November 28, has been sent privately to major manufacturers, including Apple, Samsung, Vivo, Oppo and Xiaomi, Reuters reported.

The companies have 90 days to comply with the notification. Phones already in the supply chain must receive the app via a software update.

The ministry said that the app will help fight rising cybercrime and phone fraud by blocking stolen devices, tracking lost phones and spotting fake or duplicate IMEI numbers.

The mandate came days after the Mini...