India's Department of Telecommunications (DoT) SIM-binding requirement for messaging apps is reportedly due to become operational Jan. 1, 2027. Inc42, citing the Times of India, reports that platforms must complete implementation by Dec. 31, 2026, ahead of the reported start the following day. India Today's Armaan Agarwal also describes Jan. 1 as the expected start.
Under the requirement, services including WhatsApp and Telegram are to keep accounts linked to the active SIM for the registered mobile number, rather than relying only on verification when an account is first set up, Inc42 explains. The DoT's original November 2025 directive also named Snapchat, Arattai, ShareChat, Josh, JioChat and Signal, India Today reports. According to Inc42, the department intends the measure to improve traceability and curb scams; that is its stated aim, not a measured result.
The practical question is what happens on a phone without the SIM linked to its messaging account. Inc42 says those users could face restrictions, including people using an app over Wi-Fi without the associated SIM in the phone. India Today says accounts are unlikely to stop working automatically on the deadline; the restrictions will depend on how each app enforces the requirement.
There are other qualifications. The DoT replaced an original blanket six-hour web-session logout requirement with risk-based logouts, and its order does not specify how phones with eSIMs are handled, India Today reports. Inc42 says international roaming will not be affected if the associated SIM remains in the handset.
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