Published: 9 December 2025The PrintGeneral
DoT Mandates SIM-Binding for WhatsApp, Telegram and Other Messaging Apps Within 90 Days
The Department of Telecommunications (DoT) issued directions mandating SIM-binding for major messaging apps including WhatsApp, Telegram, Signal, Snapchat, ShareChat, JioChat, Josh, and Arattai under the Telecom Cybersecurity Amendment Rules, 2025. Apps must comply within 90 days (by March 1, 2026).
The directive requires that messaging services cannot be accessed unless the SIM used for registration is physically present and active in the device. Web and desktop versions must automatically log users out every six hours and require fresh QR-code linking. The move targets anonymous scams, remote 'digital arrest' frauds, and government-impersonation calls using Indian numbers. The Broadband India Forum, representing Meta, Google and other platforms, challenged the directive as 'ultra vires' the Telecommunications Act of 2023.
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Q: Examine the rationale and controversies surrounding DoT's SIM-binding mandate for messaging applications.
Answer (50 words):
The Department of Telecommunications mandated SIM-binding within 90 days for WhatsApp, Telegram, Signal, Snapchat and similar apps under Telecom Cybersecurity Amendment Rules 2025. Web versions must re-authenticate every six hours. The directive targets anonymous scams, digital-arrest frauds and impersonation calls. Broadband India Forum challenged it as ultra vires the Telecommunications Act, 2023.
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Frequently asked questions
What did the Department of Telecommunications mandate for major messaging apps?
The Department of Telecommunications issued directions mandating SIM-binding for major messaging apps under the Telecom Cybersecurity Amendment Rules, 2025.
Which messaging apps were named and when must they comply?
The directions cover major messaging apps including WhatsApp, Telegram, Signal, Snapchat, ShareChat, JioChat, Josh, and Arattai. The apps must comply within 90 days, by March 1, 2026.
What will the SIM-binding directive require for app access?
Messaging services cannot be accessed unless the SIM used for registration is physically present and active in the device. Web and desktop versions must automatically log users out every six hours and require fresh QR-code linking.
What fraud risks did the directive target, and who challenged it?
The move targets anonymous scams, remote digital arrest frauds, and government-impersonation calls using Indian numbers. The Broadband India Forum, representing Meta, Google and other platforms, challenged the directive as ultra vires the Telecommunications Act of 2023.
