From Jan 1, WhatsApp, Telegram won’t work without SIM cards, govt issues guidelines
The Indian government has mandated that messaging apps like WhatsApp and Telegram must be linked to a valid SIM card by January 1, 2027. This policy aims to curb cyber-fraud and phishing scams originating from outside the country.
Why it matters
This represents a significant shift in digital privacy and platform regulation in India, impacting how users access communication services.
NEW DELHI: India has made SIM binding mandatory from Jan 1, 2027, and the move will mean that messaging apps like WhatsApp and Telegram will not work without a SIM card in the smartphone. The department of telecom has issued guidelines requiring messaging platforms to integrate the accounts with live SIMs used for registration by Dec 31, 2026. If the SIM is removed, replaced or deactivated, the app’s functionality will stop until a valid SIM is reinserted.The move is to curb cross-border cyber frauds, phishing, digital arrest scams using Indian mobile numbers and enhance telecom cyber security. Apple has updated iOS with a software patch to help detect when an iPhone is operating without a physical SIM card to abide with the rules.
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