What is Sanchar Saathi App? News Rules, Hidden Features

In a significant regulatory update as of December 2025, the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) has clarified the rules regarding the Sanchar Saathi application.

While initial drafts proposed a mandatory pre-installation of the app on all new smartphones sold in India, the government has officially withdrawn this mandate.

• The Verdict: Downloading the Sanchar Saathi app is completely voluntary.

• The Reason: The decision honors user privacy and choice, allowing citizens to access these critical safety services via the web portal (sancharsaathi.gov.in) if they prefer not to install the app.

However, the DoT has simultaneously tightened regulations on International Spoofed Calls. Telecom operators are now legally required to deploy AI-driven filters to block international calls that fake an Indian (+91) Caller ID, a major move to stop "Digital Arrest" scams.

Quick Summary on Sanchar Saathi App 2025 Regulation Update

What is Sanchar Saathi?

Sanchar Saathi is the unified citizen-centric portal launched by the Government of India to fight cybercrime and mobile fraud. It acts as the central hub for three critical security tools: Chakshu, TAFCOP, and CEIR.

It solves three major problems:

1. Identity Theft: Someone using a SIM card in your name illegally.

2. Device Theft: Inability to stop thieves from using your stolen phone.

3. Communication Fraud: Receiving scam calls, sextortion threats, or fake KYC messages.

The 3 Power Tools You Must Know

To get the most out of Sanchar Saathi, you need to understand its three core modules. These are optimized keywords users frequently search for:

1. TAFCOP (Telecom Analytics for Fraud Management)

• What is it? A tool to check how many mobile connections are active under your Aadhaar or ID.

• How to use it:

  1. Log in with your mobile number and OTP.

  2. View the list of numbers linked to your ID.

  3. Report unrecognized numbers as "Not My Number."

• Why it matters: If a criminal uses a SIM in your name, you could be held liable. TAFCOP allows you to disconnect these remotely.

2. Chakshu (Report Suspected Fraud)

• What is it? A reporting mechanism for suspected fraud communication received via Call, SMS, or WhatsApp.

• What to report: Bank account fraud, Sextortion, Fake Gas/Electricity bill updates, Impersonation of officials.

• Impact: Reports filed here trigger intelligence verification. If confirmed, the number is re-verified and often permanently disconnected.

3. CEIR (Block Stolen Mobile)

• What is it? The Central Equipment Identity Register blocks lost phones via their 15-digit IMEI number.

• The "Kill Switch": Once you block a phone on CEIR, it cannot connect to any Indian network (Jio, Airtel, Vi, BSNL), rendering the device useless to the thief.

Step-by-Step Guide: How to Use Sanchar Saathi

For users asking "How to check my SIM cards online," follow this optimized workflow:

1. Visit the Official Portal: Go to sancharsaathi.gov.in.

2. Scroll Down: Locate the section titled "Know Your Mobile Connections".

3. Authenticate: Enter your 10-digit mobile number, solve the Captcha, and enter the OTP.

4. Review Dashboard: You will see a list of numbers.

   • Green Check: Numbers you recognize.

   • Report Button: Use this for numbers you don't use anymore or never bought.

5. Submit Request: Select "Not My Number" and submit. The telecom operator is notified instantly to begin the disconnection process.

Why This Matters Now

With the rise of AI voice scams and sophisticated phishing, relying solely on caller ID apps is no longer enough. Sanchar Saathi provides infrastructure-level protection. By using TAFCOP and Chakshu, you aren't just protecting yourself; you are cleaning up the telecom network for everyone.

Pro Tip: Set a calendar reminder to check TAFCOP every 3 months. Cybercriminals often activate SIMs in batches; regular checks ensure your ID remains clean.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: Is the Sanchar Saathi app safe to download?

Yes. It is an official government application. However, if you are concerned about app permissions (like reading call logs), you can use the web version safely without installation.

Q2: Can I unblock my phone if I find it later?

Yes. The CEIR module allows you to "Unblock Found Mobile." You will need the Request ID generated when you first blocked it.

Q3: Does TAFCOP work for all states in India?

Yes, TAFCOP is now active across all Licensed Service Areas (LSAs) in India.