The Indian government has announced major changes to popular messaging apps—WhatsApp, Telegram, Signal, Snapchat, ShareChat, JioChat, Arattai and Josh. The Department of Telecommunications (DoT) has issued an order that now no user can use these services without an active SIM card. This provision has been implemented under the Telecommunication Cybersecurity Amendment Rules 2025, which for the first time has included app-based messaging platforms in the category of telecom services.
What is revenge?
– The government has included all these apps in the category of Telecommunication Identifier User Entities (TIUEs).
– Apps must ensure that the user’s SIM is always linked to their app login within 90 days.
– Strict rules will be applied to those who login from web browser – auto-logout will be mandatory every 6 hours on web app.
– To login again, the user will have to scan the QR code again.
The government argues that this will deter criminals who commit fraud and cybercrime by using inactive or fake SIMs.
Why was this step taken?
According to the government, the major flaw in the current system was that once the number was verified, the messaging apps continued to run even if the SIM was removed or deactivated. COAI says that SIM-binding takes place only once during installation, but after that the app does not check for SIM presence.
Cybercriminals benefited from this delay—they continued to use the apps even after changing the SIM or disabling it, making it difficult to trace them based on call records, location logs or carrier data.
The government claims that continuous SIM-binding will strengthen the relationship between users, numbers and devices, thereby effectively curbing spam, fraud and messaging-based financial crimes. The government also states that SIM verification is already mandatory in UPI and banking apps. SEBI also proposed SIM linking and face recognition for trading accounts.
Mixed response from experts
– Some cyber security experts believe that SIM-binding will help prevent fraud and verify user identity.
– At the same time, many experts call it a measure with limited impact. He says that criminals can easily obtain new SIMs through fake documents, so this rule will not be fully effective.
Telecom industry representatives do not agree with this criticism. He says mobile number is the strongest digital identity in India, and this new rule will increase security and accountability.