Online Messaging Platforms Require SIM Binding

Online messaging platforms have been instructed by the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) to stop users from using their services unless they have the SIM card that was used to register for the app.

“It has come to the attention of the Central Government that some app-based communication services that use mobile numbers for customer identification… allow users to access their services without the SIM being present in the device… creating issues for telecom cybersecurity as it is being exploited from outside the country to carry out cyber-frauds”, the DoT reportedly stated in its notice to communication companies such as WhatsApp, Telegram, Signal, Arattai, Snapchat, Sharechat, Jiochat, and Josh.

Sim Binding

These platforms are now required to ensure that within 90 days, their services are continuously linked to the SIM card used for registration. They must also block access if the SIM is not present in the device. This process is known as SIM binding.

“Currently, the binding process between a user’s app-based communication services and their mobile SIM card only happens once during the initial setup and verification. After that, the app can operate independently on the device, even if the SIM card is removed, swapped, or deactivated”, stated the Cellular Operators Association of India (COAI).

Telecommunication Cybersecurity Amendment Rules

The Centre is utilizing powers from the Telecommunication Cybersecurity Amendment Rules, 2025, which were announced in October, to implement the concept of Telecommunication Identifier User Entity (TIUE) under telecom regulations.

According to the rules, a TIUE (which is not a licensee like telecom operators) uses telecommunication identifiers – such as mobile numbers – to identify its users.

Platforms will need to submit a compliance report to the DoT within the next four months.

These new guidelines might create difficulties for users traveling abroad who often rely on local SIM cards for communication services.

Up until now, when you switch to a new SIM card overseas, you could still use apps like WhatsApp without needing to register again. But with these new rules, that won’t be an option anymore

The requirement to log out from companion web versions of messaging apps every 6 hours could interfere with workflows, particularly in professional environments.

A lot of people access services like WhatsApp on their computers while working. Some even need to use them without their phones in certain situations.

This will definitely add a lot of hassle to that scenario.

There are also concerns about how effective these rules will be, as many individuals who exploit these services for fraud often use SIM cards obtained through illegal methods, like forged or mule identity cards.

Sim Binding

Telecommunication Cybersecurity Amendment Rules

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