The Department of Telecommunications (DoT) has issued a major directive to popular messaging apps like WhatsApp, Telegram, Snapchat, Signal and others.
These apps must now link every user account to an active SIM card to help curb rising cases of online fraud and digital scams.
The order, issued on November 28, gives platforms 90 days to fully implement SIM binding.
If they fail to comply, strict action can be taken under India’s telecom cybersecurity rules.
Why SIM Binding Is Being Made Mandatory
According to the DoT, cybercriminals have been using a major loophole for years.
Messaging apps continued working even after the SIM used for registration was removed or deactivated.
This made it easy for scammers, especially those operating from outside India, to hide their identity and commit fraud.
Mandatory SIM binding ensures that the app stops working if the SIM is removed, deactivated or used on another device.
This brings messaging apps closer to UPI-like security, where the SIM must be active for transactions.
Another rule requires web and desktop versions of these apps to automatically log users out every six hours.
To continue, users will need to re-authenticate through a fresh QR code. This prevents misuse of apps on devices without a SIM card.
Legal Basis and the Govt’s Stand
The directive is backed by the new Telecommunications (Telecom Cyber Security) Rules, 2024, which became part of the updated telecom law in October.
Officials say the move is within the government’s legal authority, as these platforms use mobile numbers for account creation.
A Mobile Number Verification (MNV) system is also being developed to check if a number truly belongs to the user and is not being misused.
Government officials believe these steps will close common loopholes used in large-scale digital fraud.
Concerns Raised by Tech Industry
However, several industry experts have expressed concerns.
They argue that the directive will force major changes in how messaging apps function, without proper public consultation.
There are also practical challenges.
For example:
iOS limits how often apps can check SIM status.
Users travelling abroad may lose access if their Indian SIM is not active.
Dual-SIM and eSIM users may face confusion.
Elderly users or those using secondary devices may be logged out frequently.
Small businesses that rely on continuous WhatsApp Web access may experience disruptions.
Industry leaders also question whether SIM binding alone will stop fraud, as scammers can still obtain Indian SIM cards through illegal methods.
Experts say a stronger anti-fraud framework is needed, including better SIM verification processes, improved coordination with law enforcement and stronger fraud detection systems.
