SIM Binding rule: Your WhatsApp, Telegram and other messaging apps will logout frequently, here’s why

India’s telecom regulator has tightened rules for the digital communication platforms. The government has directed major messaging services such as WhatsApp, Telegram and Signal to function only when the registered SIM card is physically present and active in a user’s mobile device. The new order was issued by the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) under the latest amendment under the Telecom Cyber Security (TCS) rules 2024, mandating strict SIM Binding to curb fraud and impersonation. Apps may automatically stop working if the linked SIM is removed or deactivated starting March 1, while the web sessions will require periodic re-authentication after every six hours.

What is the SIM Binding rule?

The SIM Binding rule means you must keep the SIM card linked to your instant messaging app inside your main phone to keep using the services. Apps like WhatsApp, Telegram, Snapchat, JioChat and more would only work if the registered SIM card stays in your phone.

According to the new rules, if you remove that SIM card from your phone, then the messaging app connected to that number will stop working.

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This rule would also affect the web versions of the messaging apps. For example, WhatsApp Web would log you out at least once every six hours. You would need to log in again to continue using it. 

Do note that this repeated login would apply only to web and desktop versions, not to the main mobile app where the SIM is inserted.

In case you’re travelling or using international roaming, you will not face any problem as long as your SIM card remains active in your phone.

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At present, most messaging apps only check your number once using an OTP (one-time password) when you first sign up. After that, the app usually works even if you remove the SIM card. The SIM Binding rule would change this by requiring the SIM to stay in your phone all the time to keep using the app.

What does the government have to say?

Officials say cybercriminals have taken advantage of gaps in the current system by running accounts without keeping the original SIM card in the phone. This has allowed some to carry out scams, including phishing and impersonation, sometimes from outside the country.

By making sure every active account stays linked to a verified SIM obtained through Know Your Customer rules, the government believes it can improve tracking of offenders and reduce fraud.

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Industry reaction on SIM Binding

Several messaging companies have begun testing updates to comply with the new regulatory requirement, even as concerns mount within the industry. According to reports, some beta versions of popular messaging applications are prompting users to confirm that their SIM card is inserted in the device, a move seen as part of efforts to strengthen identity verification.

While the companies are trying to comply with the directions from the government, a legal body representing the major messaging platforms has filed a case in court against the directive, citing that the directive may be beyond the authority of the government.

The Department of Telecommunications (DoT) has defended the move, citing that it is important for protecting the users. Furthermore, the government also said that the new rules will help improve the security of the internet as well. With the compliance deadline now expired, users are likely to encounter stricter verification checks when accessing their messaging accounts, particularly on web and desktop platforms.