No more access to WhatsApp, Telegram, other apps through deactivated SIM cards: Govt
STC NEWS DESK
NEW DELHI, NOVEMBER 30 (STC): At a time when mobile numbers remain India’s strongest digital identity, the government by virtue of the new Telecommunication Cybersecurity Amendment Rules, 2025, has asked the Telecommunication Identifier User Entities (TIUEs) to ensure that a user’s SIM card remains continuously linked to the app within 90 days. Notably, the amendment brings app-based communication services under telecom-style regulation for the first time.
This means, apps will now be required to automatically log users out every six hours and ask them to log in again through a QR code.
The move could change how millions of people use popular messaging apps such as WhatsApp, Telegram, Signal, Snapchat, ShareChat and other communication apps. In other words, the mobile users won’t be able to use their deactivated SIM cards to continue using these apps.
According to reports, the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) has asked these platforms to ensure that their services cannot be used unless the user has an active SIM card in their device.
This system is believed to make it harder for criminals to misuse these services remotely, as every session must be tied to an active and verified SIM, as per the reports.
At present, most apps only verify a mobile number once — during installation. After that, the app continues working even if the SIM is removed or becomes inactive.
The Cellular Operators Association of India (COAI) in a report has highlighted that this behaviour allows apps to function independently of SIM cards, which creates opportunities for misuse.
Even after changing or deactivating SIM cards, they can continue using these apps, making it extremely for authorities to trace fraud through call records, location logs, or telecom data.
Making SIM binding mandatory would keep a reliable link between the user, the number, and the device, which could help reduce spam, fraud calls, and financial scams, says a report quoting COAI.
(Straight Talk Communications I Inputs from IANS)
