Sanchar Saathi app launched in 22 languages to fight telecom fraud. Learn key features, CEIR integration, and why this is crucial for UPSC, SSC, Banking, and PSC exams.
Sanchar Saathi App Now Supports 22 Languages to Protect Telecom Users
Introduction
On July 29, 2025, the Indian government relaunched the Sanchar Saathi mobile app with support in Hindi and 21 other regional languages, significantly enhancing its reach across India’s multilingual population. This app, spearheaded by Union Communications Minister Jyotiraditya M. Scindia, equips citizens with tools to fight telecom fraud and secure their mobile identities
Background & Expansion of Language Support
Originally introduced in January 2025, Sanchar Saathi already offered essential features such as reporting suspicious calls/SMS, blocking lost or stolen phones using the CEIR system, and checking for unauthorized mobile connections With over 46 lakh downloads, the multilingual upgrade unlocks accessibility for users across rural and urban India
Key Features of the App
- Report Fraudulent Communications: Instantly flag suspicious calls or messages.
- Block/Trace Lost or Stolen Devices: CEIR module enables swift deactivation of compromised devices.
- Verify Connections: Check if your identity was used to activate unauthorized SIM cards.
These functions are now available through an interface in 22 total languages
Statistical Impact to Date
- Disconnected over 82 lakh fake mobile connections
- Blocked more than 35 lakh lost or stolen phones
- Prevented 1.35 crore spoofed international calls within 24 hours of rollout—reducing such calls by 97%
- Onboarded 620 organisations—including C‑DOT, RPF, DoT, state police and telecom providers—to strengthen fraud
Citizen-Centric Integration and Security Tools
The upgrade leverages advanced technologies, including AI‑powered detection platforms like ASTR, the Financial Fraud Risk Indicator (FFRI), and the centralized Digital Intelligence Platform. These tools enhance real-time fraud detection, device verification, and rapid blocking or tracing of suspicious activity
Towards a Secure Telecom Ecosystem
Sanchar Saathi strengthens India’s digital infrastructure by empowering users to protect themselves without dependence on lengthy procedures. Its multilingual functionality ensures inclusivity and takes a proactive stance against emerging cyber threats
Why This News Is Important
Multilingual Access Fights the Digital Divide
By supporting 22 Indian languages, Sanchar Saathi ensures that people in rural and semi‑urban areas who may not be comfortable in English or Hindi can still access telecom safety tools. This broader accessibility aligns with exam-relevant themes like Digital India, e-governance, and inclusive technology
Enhances Citizen Empowerment & Security
The app empowers users to take direct action—such as reporting fraud or blocking stolen devices—without relying solely on intermediaries. This feature aligns with exam-focused topics like rights-based technology, consumer protection, and citizen-oriented governance
Supports National Cyber Fraud Vision
Through collaboration with 620 organisations—including telecom operators, law enforcement, C‑DOT, RPF, and GSTN—Sanchar Saathi strengthens India’s networked response to telecom fraud. For aspirants, this exemplifies coordinated institutional frameworks against cybercrime
Real-Time Impact with Data‑Driven Results
With swift outcomes—like 1.35 crore spoofed calls blocked in 24 hours and over 82 lakh fake connections disconnected—the initiative shows how technology-led governance achieves measurable public safety results. Topics such as CEIR and AI‑based systems examiners frequently test are illustrated concretely here
Historical Context
Genesis of Sanchar Saathi
Sanchar Saathi began as a web portal launched in May 2023 by the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) to help citizens block or track lost phones, detect forged KYC connections, and manage SIM misuse via CEIR technology
Transition to Mobile Platform
In January 2025, the portal was expanded into the Sanchar Saathi mobile app, offering user-friendly access across both Android and iOS platforms. This mobile release democratized telecom security features, building on the CEIR infrastructure and enabling broader citizen use
Evolution to Multilingual Functionality
Initially available only in English and Hindi, the July 2025 relaunch added support in 21 regional languages, taking the total to 22 languages. This reflects India’s constitutional recognition of multiple languages and aims to ensure telecom safety features reach diverse linguistic communities
Key Takeaways from Sanchar Saathi App Launch
| S.No. | Key Takeaway |
|---|---|
| 1 | Sanchar Saathi app now supports 22 languages (Hindi + 21 regional), enhancing accessibility across India. |
| 2 | Key features include reporting suspicious calls/SMS, blocking/tracing lost‑stolen phones, and checking for unauthorized connections. |
| 3 | As of July 2025: 46 lakh downloads, 82 lakh fake connections disconnected, 35 lakh devices blocked, 1.35 crore spoofed calls prevented. |
| 4 | Integrated with CEIR, AI‑based ASTR, FFRI, and Digital Intelligence Platform for robust telecom fraud detection. |
| 5 | Onboarded 620 organisations (DoT, RPF, C‑DOT, telecom providers, state police, GSTN) to collaboratively prevent telecom-related cyber fraud. |
FAQs: Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is the Sanchar Saathi mobile app?
Sanchar Saathi is an initiative by the Department of Telecommunications (DoT), Government of India, aimed at empowering mobile users to report telecom fraud, block lost/stolen phones, and verify SIM ownership through an easy-to-use mobile interface.
2. How many languages does the Sanchar Saathi app support as of July 2025?
As of July 29, 2025, the app supports a total of 22 languages—Hindi + 21 regional languages, making it accessible to people across India.
3. What are the core features of the app?
Key features include:
- Report fraudulent calls/SMS
- Block/trace lost phones via CEIR
- Check number of mobile connections issued in your name
- Revoke unauthorized SIMs
4. What technology does Sanchar Saathi use?
It uses CEIR (Central Equipment Identity Register), ASTR (AI-based spam detection tool), FFRI (Financial Fraud Risk Indicator), and a Digital Intelligence Platform to prevent telecom fraud in real time.
5. How does this initiative impact national telecom security?
It prevents cyber and financial fraud by enabling real-time fraud detection, reducing international spoofed calls, blocking stolen phones, and deactivating fake SIMs. It also promotes digital inclusion by offering multilingual accessibility.
6. What is CEIR and why is it important?
CEIR helps track and block stolen or lost mobile phones using the IMEI number. It links telecom operators and law enforcement to create a secure telecom ecosystem.
7. Which organizations are integrated into the Sanchar Saathi platform?
The app integrates with 620 entities including the DoT, C-DOT, Railway Protection Force (RPF), GSTN, police departments, and telecom operators.
8. Where can users download the Sanchar Saathi app?
The app is available on both Android and iOS platforms. It can also be accessed via the official portal.
9. Who launched the updated version of the app in July 2025?
Union Communications Minister Jyotiraditya M. Scindia relaunched the multilingual version on July 29, 2025.
10. Why is Sanchar Saathi important for government exam aspirants?
This app is a part of Digital India, cybersecurity policy, and e-governance topics, which are often featured in current affairs, General Awareness, and Governance sections of various exams.
Some Important Current Affairs Links
