SIM binding rule: How it will impact WhatsApp, Telegram users
30 Nov 2025

The Indian government has introduced a new regulation, requiring popular messaging apps like WhatsApp, Telegram, Signal, Snapchat, ShareChat, JioChat, Arattai, and Josh to implement SIM binding.

This means these services will only work with a specific SIM card in the phone.

If the designated SIM is removed or replaced with another one (even temporarily), the app should stop functioning.

The move is aimed at enhancing security and preventing cybercrimes.

Government's rationale behind SIM binding
Security concerns

The Indian government has expressed concerns over cybercriminals from outside the country using Indian mobile numbers to commit fraud.

They log into Indian apps with old or inactive SIM-linked accounts, making it difficult to trace their location.

By enforcing SIM binding, the government hopes to close this loophole and make it harder for scammers to remain untraceable.

Telecom industry supports SIM binding
Industry backing

The telecom industry has also backed the government's move.

They argue that communication apps only verify your SIM once during installation. After that, even if you remove or deactivate the SIM, the app continues to work.

This loophole can be exploited by hackers and fraudsters for malicious purposes.

The new regulation aims to address these concerns by ensuring continuous verification of the original SIM card's presence in a user's phone.

Apps to comply with government's requirements
Compliance measures

The government has given a 90-day window for the apps to comply with its requirements for continuous SIM presence checks and web access restrictions.

Additionally, there is a 120-day period for reporting compliance to the government.

If the original SIM is not detected, the app should stop working until it is reinserted.

For web versions like WhatsApp Web, users will be logged out automatically every six hours and have to scan a QR code for re-login.

Potential impact on users
User experience

While most users may not see a major change in their messaging experience, those using these apps on secondary devices without a SIM or those who use the app on one device but keep their SIM in another could face interruptions.

The new regulation will also require more frequent checks and occasional relogins for some users.

Experts question effectiveness of SIM binding
Fraud prevention

However, some cybersecurity experts are skeptical about the effectiveness of this measure in preventing fraud.

They point out that fraudsters often buy SIM cards using fake or borrowed documents and use them briefly for scams before discarding them.

Others argue that India's telecom verification system already employs AI and video KYC but fraud still persists, indicating the problem may lie elsewhere.