India SIM binding rules to impact messaging app usage

The Department of Telecommunications (DoT) has issued directives regarding SIM binding for messaging applications including WhatsApp, Telegram, Signal, and Snapchat. Under these new regulations, apps must ensure that the active SIM card associated with an account is present in the same device where the application is being operated.

Companies have been granted until December 31, 2026, to comply with these requirements, with the full impact expected to be felt starting January 1, 2027. The government states that this measure is intended to curb cyber fraud and enhance security.

A study by the tech policy think tank Esya Centre, which surveyed small business owners and customers across various Indian cities, highlighted concerns regarding potential disruptions to daily operations. While 87.2 percent of surveyed small business owners expressed concern over SIM-related fraud, many users worry about the practicalities of using messaging services across multiple devices.