WhatsApp And Telegram To Require SIM Card From March 1

New SIM Binding Rules Start March 1

  • From March 1 onwards, all messaging applications including WhatsApp and Telegram need to implement their SIM binding requirements. According to these regulations, users must maintain their active SIM card on their phone in order to keep using the applications.
  • The government announced these rules in November last year. Authorities gave companies time to prepare. The deadline which companies must complete their preparations ends on February 28. The rules start to take effect on March 1.

What the SIM Binding Rule Means

The Department of Telecommunications (DoT) created this regulation to decrease the unlawful use of communication services.

Under the new system:

  • The application will cease to function when there is no SIM card present in the mobile device.
  • The application will stop functioning when users take out their SIM card.
  • Web applications of the software will disconnect users every six hours.
  • Users must scan a QR code again using a phone with an active SIM to log back in.
  • At present, SIM verification happens only during installation. After SIM removal or deactivation the app remains operational. The new rule changes this process.

Reason Behind the Rule

  • The government established SIM binding requirements to safeguard systems from cybercriminal attacks.
  • Some fraud activities involve users operating messaging apps without an active SIM. In certain cases, criminals from other countries misuse such accounts. Experts believe that linking apps directly to active SIM cards will reduce such risks.

The rule applies to apps such as:

  • WhatsApp
  • Telegram
  • Signal
  • Aratai

WhatsApp Begins Testing

  • WhatsApp has started preparing for implementation. The company is conducting beta tests to detect cases where no SIM card is present in the device.
  • Technology update platform WABetaInfo shared screenshots related to this testing process.

No Extension of Deadline

  • Union Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia confirmed that there will be no extension of the deadline.
  • This means all affected apps must fully comply by March 1. From that date, users without an active SIM card in their phone may lose access to these services.