India Delays SIM-Binding to December 2026, Moves to Risk-Based Web Logouts

Overview

• India’s telecom minister told Parliament the compliance date is now December 31, 2026, and web sessions must end based on risk analysis rather than a fixed six-hour timer.
• The SIM-binding rule means messaging apps will only work when the registered, KYC-verified SIM is active in the user’s device, or access to the account will stop.
• The Department of Telecommunications says linking service to live SIMs and curbing long web sessions will restore traceability and reduce phishing, loan scams, and “digital arrest” frauds.
• Industry groups, including Broadband India Forum, question the mandate’s legal basis and warn it would disrupt multi-device use, travel routines, and shared-SIM practices, citing survey findings from Cuts International.
• Officials and reporting point to phased rollout due to testing and operating system updates, while most major platforms have not detailed plans yet, with Arattai confirming work and WhatsApp showing signs in beta tracks.