Indian government requests SIM card linking be mandatory for messaging apps like WhatsApp and Telegram

The Indian government is seeking to require messaging apps like WhatsApp, Telegram, Signal, and Snapchat to prevent users from logging in and connecting without the original SIM card.

Govt orders mandatory sim-linked login for WhatsApp, Telegram, Signal; Desktop sessions to be auto-logout every 6 hours | India News - The Times of India

WhatsApp Web login changes: Why a new govt directive means your WhatsApp Web could soon log you out every 6 hours
https://indianexpress.com/article/explained/explained-sci-tech/whatsapp-web-automatic-log-out-six-hourse-reason-10394142/

Govt. Issues SIM Binding Directions To WhatsApp and Telegram
https://www.medianama.com/2025/11/223-dot-sim-binding-directions-to-whatsapp-and-telegram/

As part of an amendment to the Telecom Cyber Security Rules, the Indian government has issued a directive to messaging app operators to prevent apps from communicating without the SIM card provided at the time of registration.

The revised regulations create a new category of service providers called 'Telecommunications Identifier User Entities (TIUEs),' which are required to fulfill a wide range of cybersecurity obligations, including user linkage. The government can also instruct TIUEs to stop using certain telecommunications identifiers to identify users or provide services.

There were concerns that the TIUE's definition was too broad and would apply to all businesses that collect customer phone numbers in order to provide services. However, it has been revealed that the eight messaging services that have been subject to the notice are WhatsApp, Telegram, Signal, Arattai, Snapchat, ShareChat, JioChat, and Josh.

The rules require these messaging app operators to ensure SIM cards remain linked to their services within the next 90 days, and if used via a website or web app, they will be required to log users out after up to six hours and offer the option to re-link using a QR code when they log back in.

The move comes as a measure to combat cyber fraud, the government said, pointing out that some apps that use SIM cards for user verification can be used even when the SIM card is not inserted in the device, creating a vulnerability that can be exploited by cyber fraudsters from outside India.

In contrast to the government's efforts, telecom companies have expressed concern that the move could cause confusion for users visiting India on international travel, as they would no longer be able to use messaging apps when using local SIM cards.

He also said that telecommunications companies have doubts about the effectiveness of this measure, since scammers are illegally obtaining SIM cards using forged identification documents.