SIM Binding Rule: Strict Warning for WhatsApp and Telegram Users! App Won’t Work Without SIM in Phone, Government Issues Guidelines

SIM Binding Rule: A highly significant update has emerged for millions of WhatsApp and Telegram users across India. Taking an unprecedented step to curb digital fraud and cybercrime, India’s Department of Telecommunications (DoT) has mandated that messaging apps will no longer function without an active SIM card in the device. Until now, users could verify an account with an OTP, remove the SIM card, and continue using the app via Wi-Fi or another internet connection. However, under the government’s new ‘SIM Binding’ technology mandate, this loophole is being permanently closed.

What Are the New Rules?

According to the ‘Telecommunication Cybersecurity Amendment Rules, 2025’ issued by the DoT, apps like WhatsApp, Telegram, Signal, and Snapchat must now adhere to strict regulations similar to those faced by telecom operators. These apps have been classified as “Telecommunication Identifier User Entities.”

Key conditions of the new mandate include:

• SIM Binding Technology: The user’s account must remain continuously linked to their specific SIM card. This means if the SIM card used to register the account is removed from the phone or becomes inactive, the application must immediately cease to function on that device.
• Mandatory Presence: Apps are required to ensure that the service remains tethered to the registered SIM card. The era of using these apps without the physical presence of the SIM is coming to an end.

Major Changes for WhatsApp Web

The directive also outlines significant changes for those who use ‘WhatsApp Web’ on laptops or computers. Currently, users can stay logged in for extended periods. However, under the new rules, platforms must automatically log users out of web browsers every six hours. To continue usage, the user will have to re-authenticate by scanning a QR code from their primary mobile device. This measure ensures that hackers or unauthorized individuals cannot operate your WhatsApp Web in your absence.

Why This Strict Decision?

This stringent move is primarily aimed at curbing the menace of cybercriminals. It has been observed that fraudsters often register messaging app accounts using fake SIM cards or SIMs procured under others’ names, and then discard the physical SIM. Since the app continues to work via the internet even without the SIM, they carry out scams with impunity. Because the SIM is no longer active on the network, it becomes incredibly difficult for police or intelligence agencies to trace the criminals.

Data from the Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre reveals that in the first half of 2025 alone, Indians lost an average of ₹1,000 crore per month due to cyber fraud. More than 50% of these attacks originated from Southeast Asian countries. Linking the app permanently to the SIM card is seen as a necessary step to put a leash on such fraudulent activities.

When Will This Be Effective?

Messaging platforms have been given 90 days from the issuance of the directive to implement this ‘SIM Binding’ technology and 120 days to submit compliance reports. The Cellular Operators Association of India (COAI), representing giants like Reliance Jio, Airtel, and Vodafone Idea, has welcomed this decision. They maintain that the mobile number is India’s most robust digital identity, and transparency in its usage across apps is essential. However, Meta or other affected app companies have not yet issued any official statement regarding this rollout.