New SIM Binding Rule India: If you use WhatsApp, Telegram or other social media apps for messaging and chatting, then the rules are about to change for you. The Government of India has implemented major rules for WhatsApp, Telegram and other messaging platforms. Under the new SIM Binding process, the SIM with which the account is registered should now be active in the phone. This change has been made under the Telecom Communication Security (TCS) Rules 2024 and its purpose is to stop the increasing online fraud. All messaging apps will have to implement this rule within 90 days.
What is SIM Binding Rule and how will it work?
According to the new instructions issued by the government, all messaging platforms like WhatsApp, Telegram, Signal will now have to implement SIM based login verification system. Meaning, the user will have to run the app on the same active SIM with which the registration was done. DoT has also clarified that SIM validation will be done continuously for 90 days, and accounts running on dead or inactive numbers will be immediately blocked. This step is being taken to always keep the identity of the users verified.
Why is the government bringing this change
According to DoT, frauds and scams using fake numbers on platforms like WhatsApp and Telegram are increasing rapidly. Many people keep the app running even after the original SIM is deactivated, making it easier for criminals to use untraceable numbers. The SIM Binding rule will ensure that the account is linked to the original telecom subscriber who created it. This will help in curbing cyber fraud.
On which apps will the new SIM based login rule apply?
This rule will be applicable to all messaging apps which have been placed in the category of Telecommunication Identifier User Entities. These include platforms like WhatsApp, Meta Messenger, Telegram, Signal, Snapchat, JioChat, Josh and Arattai. All of them will have to implement SIM Binding system within 90 days. Additionally, users who use these apps on laptops or PCs will have to complete SIM based authentication from time to time.
What will be the impact on users
The only precaution users will have to take is to keep the SIM with which they have created a WhatsApp or Telegram account active. If the SIM is turned off or deactivated, the account will not be accessible. People who use the same number on multiple devices will also have to do verification from time to time. The government claims that this step is very important for user security and to prevent fraud.
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