New SIM-Binding rules have come into effect in India today, March 1st. Under these new rules, messaging apps are set to undergo a major change. With the new rules, messaging apps like WhatsApp and Telegram will only work if the registered SIM card is present and active in the mobile phone.
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New SIM-Binding rules have come into effect in India today, March 1st. Under these new rules, messaging apps like WhatsApp and Telegram will only work if the registered SIM card is active in the mobile phone. Let’s explore how this new rule will affect people.
New SIM-Binding Rule
With the new SIM-Binding rule, users will only be able to use WhatsApp and other messaging apps if they have an active SIM card in their mobile phone, which is associated with the mobile number used to activate the app’s account. This rule was issued by the DoT under the Telecom Cyber Security (TCS) Rules, 2024. Under these rules, messaging apps will only work if the same SIM card is inserted in the phone with which the account was registered. Furthermore, if the SIM is removed, replaced, or disabled, the app will stop working. To use it again, you will need to insert the correct SIM and verify it.
This rule will apply to many popular messaging and social apps, including WhatsApp, Telegram, Snapchat, ShareChat, and JioChat. On November 28th, India’s DoT directed all these companies to link their services to registered SIM cards.
Companies were given 90 days to implement the rule, which expired on February 28th, and the new rule came into effect today, March 1st.
WhatsApp Web will also be affected
According to the new rule, web and desktop versions like WhatsApp and Telegram Web will be automatically logged out every six hours. To log in again, users will need to scan a QR code from their mobile phone, which requires an active SIM.
Why did the government implement this rule?
Recently, cases of SIM-swap fraud and fraud using fake identities have increased. SIM-Binding will strengthen identity verification and prevent misuse. The government says this step has been taken to curb the growing cyber fraud and counterfeiting. Communications Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia has clearly stated that the deadline for this rule will not be extended and that it is a necessary step for digital security.
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