The Government of India is likely to extend the deadline for mandatory SIM binding for messaging platforms, such as WhatsApp, Arattai, and Telegram. The Department of Telecommunications (DoT) is expected to give a deadline of December 2026 to companies to comply with this directive. The department is reportedly planning to extend the deadline following requests from companies, citing technical challenges. A similar SIM binding mandate is already followed by banking and payment apps such as Google Pay.
In November 2025, the government had notified app-based communication platforms such as WhatsApp to use mobile numbers for user identification to ensure their services remain linked to the SIM card installed in the user’s device. This means a user will be able to access their account on the platform only if the registered SIM card is in the device they are using. This measure aims to prevent misuse of telecom identifiers, including cyber fraud originating from outside India.
For linked devices, or web-based versions of the app, such as WhatsApp web, the directive stated that users would be logged out every six hours. A user must re-authenticate after being logged out to use the web version again.
The initial deadline for the mandate was set for March 1, 2026.
Why the delay now?
It has been reported that companies faced technical challenges in implementing the directive requirements. A DoT official said, “We will extend the compliance deadlines as companies have run into technical challenges, including testing and operating system updates.”
As per the official, the rollout will be done in a phased manner, with Android devices meeting the directive first. Apple is reportedly working to resolve certain iOS constraints that will allow messaging apps on iOS to comply.
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