India’s Department of Telecommunications (DoT) has told messaging services including WhatsApp and Telegram to keep accounts linked to the active subscriber identity module (SIM) associated with a user’s registered mobile number from January 1, 2027.

Platforms must comply by December 31, 2026. If that SIM is removed, replaced, or deactivated, the service will stop working until the same active SIM is reinserted.

DoT issued the directions under the Telecom Cyber Security Rules, 2024, to services including WhatsApp, Telegram, Snapchat, Arattai, ShareChat, JioChat, and Signal.

The requirement could affect people using messaging apps over Wi-Fi without the registered SIM in their device, as well as users who frequently swap SIMs or use multiple devices.

If a service offers a web version, users must be logged out at least every six hours, and be allowed to relink the device through a QR code.

DoT said the measures are meant to curb cyber fraud, including scams operated from outside India using Indian mobile numbers.

🔗 Source: The Times of India

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