No Registered SIM, No Messaging App Access Under New Rules
What Happened
India’s Department of Telecommunications has directed covered messaging apps such as WhatsApp and Telegram to link accounts with the active SIM or eSIM used for registration by December 31, 2026. The SIM-binding requirements are set to apply from January 1, 2027. Under the framework, messaging services using Indian mobile numbers must ensure the registered SIM remains active and present in the device. The measure is aimed at combating cyber fraud, phishing and digital-arrest scams involving Indian numbers.
Key Takeaways
The rules could affect people who use messaging apps without keeping their registered SIM in the phone, although the precise user experience will depend on how each platform implements SIM binding.