With the government’s SIM-binding rules taking effect, WhatsApp and Telegram users may need to keep their registered SIM cards available to continue using the messaging services. The Department of Telecommunications (DoT) has directed covered app-based communication services to link accounts with KYC-verified SIM cards, with the compliance deadline set for December 31, 2026. The rules intend to strengthen the link between a mobile number and the account registered with it, making it harder to misuse messaging services for fraud.
The compliance deadline for the directive has been extended to December 31, 2026, meaning the new requirement is scheduled to take effect from the beginning of 2027.
Until now, messaging apps such as WhatsApp have generally required users to verify their mobile numbers during registration. Once an account is activated, it can continue working even if the SIM card used to register it is removed from the phone. Users can also access their accounts through linked devices, including laptops and tablets, without having the registered SIM in those devices.
The new directive seeks to change this arrangement.
Under mandatory SIM binding, messaging applications must remain linked to the specific, active SIM card associated with the mobile number used to identify the user. If that SIM is removed, deactivated or no longer available in the relevant device, the app will not be permitted to continue functioning as before.
