No active SIM, no access: WhatsApp, Telegram to follow new SIM binding rules from 2027

Advertisement

Messaging services like WhatsApp and Telegram may be required to retain the validity of its registered SIM under a Department of Telecommunications (DoT) directive by January 1, 2027, and have until December 31, 2026, to implement this.

This step has been taken to prevent cyber crime such as impersonation, phishing, investment scams and digital arrest frauds.

How will SIM binding work?

The rule mandates messaging apps should continue to be connected to the user’s mobile number, which is tied to the active SIM, when they are being used to authenticate the user. It applies to WhatsApp, Telegram, Signal, Snapchat, Share Chat, Jio Chat, Arattai and Josh and others.

Advertisement

What does it mean for users?

Users with Wi-Fi-only tablets, secondary phones or associated devices could be affected in various ways depending on how apps implement the new rules. Users of WhatsApp Web could have to reconnect after being signed out.

Originally, the regulations called for sessions to be logged out after no more than six hours. The government has subsequently clarified the logout intervals will be set via risk-based analysis.

This does not mean the WhatsApp or Telegram will be turned off in India. It puts more stringent SIM link-up rules to make messaging accounts more difficult to be exploited for fraud.

Also read: New BSNL Recharge Plans Include Accident And Cyber Insurance

Advertisement