Overview
- The Department of Telecommunications’ order took effect on March 1, covering WhatsApp, Telegram, Signal and other messaging apps that use mobile numbers.
- Platforms must ensure accounts work only when the registered SIM is physically present in the user’s primary phone, with roaming unaffected if the SIM remains active.
- Web and desktop sessions are required to auto‑logout at least every six hours as apps perform periodic checks for SIM presence.
- WhatsApp has begun showing in‑app notices in India and testing beta flows that state it will verify the SIM card is in the phone.
- An industry group has filed a court challenge to the rule, while the government cites cybersecurity goals and warns of enforcement for non‑compliance.