DoT extends SIM-binding deadline for messaging apps to Dec 31
image for illustrative purpose
New Delhi: The government has extended the SIM-binding deadline for mobile messaging apps such as WhatsApp, Telegram, Signal, etc., to December 31 following requests from the industry, according to sources.
The SIM-binding rule mandates messaging platforms to provide their service on a mobile device only if there is an active SIM available in it.
The Department of Telecom (DoT) has also removed the mandatory six-hour log-out rule for the web version of apps to a risk analysis-based log-out.
The DoT issued directions to major app-based communication service providers on November 28, 2025, to ensure that their services are continuously linked to the active SIM card in the device from February 26 and report compliance by March 28.
"The government has extended the deadline for applicability of SIM-binding rule to December 31 following representation from the industry players," an official source told PTI.
The directive earlier mandated apps to log out users after six hours from the web version of messaging platforms.
Now, instead of six hours, users will be logged out based on AI-enabled risk analysis by the messaging platforms, another source said.
DoT had issued SIM-binding directions to plug the security gap that cybercriminals were found to be exploiting to run large-scale, often cross-border, digital frauds.
