The government is preparing to implement SIM binding rules from January 1 next year that will require WhatsApp and Telegram to operate with a physical SIM card. The SIM binding rules have been introduced to prevent cyber fraud using Indian mobile numbers. Earlier, the Department of Telecom (DoT) had guidelines requiring the covered platforms to integrate the accounts with the live SIMs used for registration by December 31, 2026.
According to reports, Apple has reportedly made iOS changes to support SIM binding, with a software patch released in September to detect when an iPhone has no SIM card. Snapchat is exempt from the SIM-binding requirements, while Signal has not responded to government notices on the rules.
Through this process, messaging platforms like WhatsApp or Telegram will be linked directly to your SIM card. As soon as you remove the SIM card from your mobile phone, your messaging apps will stop working.
Over the time, scammers had been taking advantage of these messaging Apps. Fraudsters would activate apps like WhatsApp or Telegram once and then operate them from other countries to scam people in India. Therefore, the government introduced rules for SIM binding.
Additionally, it was previously stated that a SIM card would also be required to use Snapchat, but that is no longer the case as it has been exempted. Furthermore, regarding the Signal app, which operates from outside India, the government sent them a notice, but they have not yet responded to the Indian government’s notice.
