Overview
- The Department of Telecommunications’ November 28 directions require continuous SIM linkage for messaging accounts and six‑hour forced logouts on web and desktop, with a 90‑day compliance window that runs to late February 2026.
- The rules cover apps including WhatsApp, Telegram, and Signal, and DoT has asked providers to block access for users without an active SIM.
- Officials say the measures target cyber‑fraud losses of over ₹228 billion in 2024, with clarifications that the rules do not apply when the SIM remains in the device or when users are roaming.
- WhatsApp is expected to be most affected given its more than 500 million users in India and widespread reliance by small businesses on WhatsApp Business with web and desktop workflows.
- IAMAI and BIF warn of disruption and technical infeasibility on modern iOS and Android, while telecom operators back SIM binding as a user‑security step they say will not disrupt enterprise systems.