New Delhi: A sweeping new regulation from the government has introduced a major shift in the way popular messaging apps are accessed across India. Under a directive issued recently, services like WhatsApp along with Telegram, Signal and other over-the-top (OTT) apps will only work if the device has an active SIM card installed. Users whose SIM becomes inactive or removed will no longer be able to continue using these apps.
The decision stems from recent amendments under the Department of Telecommunications (DoT)’s new “Telecom Cyber Security” regulations, which aim to tackle rising cybercrime and misuse of messaging platforms. Under the update, these apps have been reclassified as “Telecommunication Identifier User Entities” (TIUEs), which subjects them to obligations similar to those of traditional telecom service providers.
As part of the reform, all such messaging platforms must ensure a continuous link between the user’s phone number, SIM card, and device. If the SIM is removed, deactivated or replaced, access is cut off. Furthermore, web-based versions of these apps will be required to log users out at least every six hours forcing reauthentication via QR code to resume use.
The government argues that this step is crucial for improving user traceability and curbing misuse of mobile-number-based identity systems. According to official documents, many users currently access these communication apps even after removing or changing their SIM cards a loophole that authorities say has been frequently exploited for fraud, impersonation and malicious activity.
Under the new guidelines, messaging-app operators have a 90-day window to implement full compliance. They must also submit detailed reports to the DoT within 120 days. The penalty for noncompliance may include actions under the newly strengthened telecom and cybersecurity law framework.
For millions of users across India, this means a notable change: WhatsApp, Telegram, Signal, and similar platforms will no longer function on devices without a physically active SIM card. Especially affected will be those who rely on Wi-Fi tablets, old phones, multi-device setups, or use travel SIMs. Web-only usage common among laptop users or those without active voice/SMS connections will be disrupted by mandatory logout cycles.
Industry representatives, including the Cellular Operators Association of India (COAI), have welcomed the measure, asserting that continuous SIM-to-device binding is essential to curb the abuse of messaging services, impersonation scams, and untraceable spam.
Critics, however, warn that the reform may inconvenience legitimate users particularly frequent travellers, expatriates, and people who use multiple devices. They argue that while SIM-binding may improve traceability, it does not eliminate underlying problems such as fake or fraudulently obtained SIMs.
In effect, starting now, messaging apps that once functioned independently of SIM status must align with telecom-grade regulations making SIM presence a mandatory requirement for continued service. The days of using WhatsApp or Telegram as a purely data-driven chat medium, unlinked from the phone's active SIM, are now coming to an end across India.