The central government on Saturday issued a directive requiring messaging platforms like WhatsApp, Telegram, Signal, Snapchat, ShareChat, Geochat, Aratai, and Josh to function only on active SIM cards in mobile devices. The government stated that this move will prevent the misuse of inactive numbers, reduce fraud and spam, and increase transparency related to user identification (KYC). According to the Department of Telecommunications (DoT), messaging platforms must ensure that the app runs only when the user’s registered SIM is activated on the mobile device. If the SIM is removed or inactive, the apps will automatically stop functioning. For users who log in via web browsers, the new rule mandates that the platform must log out the user every six hours, after which login will be allowed only via QR code authentication. Also Read| Centre to mandate parental consent on social media for minors Why the rules have changed The government explained that these rules aim to prevent the misuse of closed or inactive mobile numbers, which could otherwise be exploited for fraud, fake accounts, and spam. By ensuring that messaging platforms run only on active numbers, the move also strengthens cyber security and reduces risks associated with reissued numbers being used by someone else. Also Read| Why did Australia ban social media for children? Current system vs. new rules: At present, messaging apps are verified through an OTP and continue to function even if the SIM is deactivated or removed. Users can continue using the apps on old or inactive numbers until they change or reset their phones. Desktop or laptop versions of messaging apps currently function independently once linked to a mobile device. Under the new rules, this will change: SIM-Binding rule explained: The directive introduces the SIM-binding rule, which means the SIM card will work perfectly only on the device in which it was first activated. If the SIM is removed and inserted into another phone, services including messaging apps, banking apps, UPI, mobile wallets, KYC-based apps, and OTP logins will automatically stop functioning. Implementation and compliance: The government has mandated that all over-the-top (OTT) communication platforms comply with the SIM-to-device binding rule within 90 days. Platforms must submit compliance reports within 120 days. Non-compliance will be addressed under the Telecommunication Act 2023, Telecom Cyber Security Rules, and other applicable laws. Government’s rationale: Cyber fraud is rising rapidly, and many messaging and OTP-based services currently verify the user’s mobile number only once during installation. After that, apps continue to work even if the SIM is removed, leaving the system vulnerable to misuse, including from outside the country. The new directive ensures that messaging apps operate only when the SIM is present and active in the user’s mobile, preventing misuse and strengthening telecom cybersecurity. With these changes, the government aims to protect users, prevent cyber fraud, and increase accountability and transparency in digital communications across India.
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