India messaging app SIM-binding regulations

The Indian Department of Telecommunications (DoT) has announced new regulations requiring messaging platforms—including WhatsApp, Telegram, Signal, and potentially Snapchat—to implement SIM-binding. Under these rules, messaging accounts must be continuously linked to an active SIM card or eSIM within the same device where the application is operated.

Platforms have until December 31, 2026, to comply, with the mandates taking full effect on January 1, 2027. The government intends for this measure to combat cybercrime, phishing, and financial fraud, specifically targeting the misuse of verified accounts for scams such as ‘digital arrests’ and organized fraud by preventing criminals from using Indian mobile numbers from outside the country.

While there is significant support for the measure, with a study by the Esya Centre finding that 87.2 percent of surveyed small business owners expressed concern over SIM-related fraud, there are also practical concerns. Users and business owners have raised questions regarding potential disruptions to daily operations and the difficulties of using messaging services across multiple devices.