The Indian government has introduced a major change that could affect how millions use their favorite messaging apps. Big names like WhatsApp, Telegram, Signal, Snapchat, ShareChat, JioChat, Arattai and Josh will now have to follow new rules that link every user account to an active SIM card. The idea is to improve security and reduce online fraud but not everyone is convinced it will work. What exactly has the Government ordered Under the Telecommunication Cybersecurity Amendment Rules, 2025, the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) has told messaging apps to follow a system called SIM binding. In simple words: If the SIM card used to register your account is removed from the phone, the app should stop working. Apps have 90 days to start following this rule. Right now, once you verify your account, you can continue chatting even if you remove the SIM, switch phones, or use only Wi-Fi. The government believes this flexibility is allowing criminals to hide. Why is SIM binding being introduced? Officials say the main reason is cyber fraud. Many scammers outside India reportedly log into Indian messaging apps using numbers linked to old or inactive SIM cards. Because the SIM is not physically present in their device, it becomes tough to trace where the scammer actually is. By forcing apps to check if the correct SIM is in the phone at all times, the government hopes to block this loophole. Even telecom companies support this move. They say messaging apps currently verify your SIM only once during setup. After that, the number can be misused by hackers, spammers, or fraudsters without leaving a trace. What will apps need to change Apps must now follow two major rules: 1. Continuous SIM Checking The app must frequently confirm whether the original SIM is still in the phone.
If it isn’t, the app must instantly stop functioning until the correct SIM is reinserted. 2. Stricter Web Logins Apps like WhatsApp Web will automatically log you out every six hours. To log back in, you must scan a new QR code from your phone. This is supposed to make sure the person using the web version is genuine. All apps must inform the government within 120 days that they’ve followed these instructions. How will users be affected? For most people, the experience will feel similar, except for occasional checks or re-logins. But some users will face issues: These groups may see interruptions or be forced to keep the SIM in the same device always. Will this really reduce online scams? Experts are divided. Some believe SIM binding could improve traceability and make anonymous scams harder. Linking each account to an active SIM might add an extra layer of accountability. But many cybersecurity researchers argue the opposite. They point out that: So SIM binding may offer only limited benefits. Telecom industry representatives, however, say mobile numbers are India’s most reliable digital IDs. They believe this move strengthens the existing verification system. So, what does this all mean? In simple terms, the government wants tighter control and better traceability of messaging app users. While supporters think the rule could help reduce fraud, critics worry it might inconvenience regular users without stopping clever scammers. Either way, this marks one of the biggest changes to how messaging apps operate in India and millions will feel the impact in the coming months.
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