SIM Linking Rule Affecting Messaging Apps in India

Balasahana Suresh
1.Ā šŸ§ Ā Whatā€™s the New Rule All About?

The Department of Telecommunications (DoT) in india has issued a directive under the Telecommunication Cybersecurity Rules that messaging platforms like WhatsApp, Telegram, Signal, Snapchat and others must stay continuously linked to the SIM card used during registration. If the SIM isnā€™t present and active in the device, the app must stop working.

2.Ā šŸ“…Ā Effective from february 2026

Messaging apps will have about 90 days to implement this ā€œSIMā€‘bindingā€ feature. From Februaryā€Æ2026, users may data-face restrictions unless their device contains the same active SIM originally used to set up the app.

3.Ā šŸ“µĀ What Happens If Your SIM Isnā€™t in the Device?

  • The app may stop working if the registered SIM is removed or deactivated.
  • This affects everyday uses like switching SIM cards, using local SIMs abroad, or using apps on devices without a SIM (like tablets).
4.Ā šŸ’»Ā WhatsApp Web & Desktop Will Autoā€‘Logout

Even on computers or web browsers, you wonā€™t stay logged in forever. Sessions must automatically log out every six hours, and youā€™ll need to rescan the QR code from your phone to reconnect.

5.Ā šŸ¤”Ā Why the government Is Doing This

Authorities say the rule aims to curb cyber fraud and impersonation scams by tying messaging accounts more closely to verified mobile subscribers, making misuse and anonymous accounts harder to maintain.

6.Ā šŸ”„Ā How This Affects You Personally

  • šŸ“± Multiā€‘device use (phones, tablets) becomes trickier.
  • šŸŒ Travelers using foreign SIMs may be locked out if the original SIM isnā€™t present.
  • šŸ–„ļø Work setups with whatsapp Web or Telegram Desktop will need frequent logins.
  • šŸ“² Users who swap SIMs often may experience service interruptions.
7.Ā šŸ§ Ā Industry Concerns & Reactions

Tech and telecom stakeholders have raised concerns that such rules could inconvenience legitimate users and that enforcing SIMā€‘binding across apps may be technically complex. Critics also argue that it may not fully stop fraud if scammers use forged or stolen SIMs.

šŸ“ŒĀ Bottom Line

From Februaryā€Æ2026, your favourite messaging apps wonā€™t just rely on a oneā€‘time number verification ā€” theyā€™ll constantly check that your active, registered SIM is in your device. If it isnā€™t, services could stop working or force frequent reā€‘authentication.

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Disclaimer:

The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of any agency, organization, employer, or company. All information provided is for general informational purposes only. While every effort has been made to ensure accuracy, we make no representations or warranties of any kind, express or implied, about the completeness, reliability, or suitability of the information contained herein. Readers are advised to verify facts and seek professional advice where necessary. Any reliance placed on such information is strictly at the readerā€™s own risk.

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