The Indian government is taking strict steps to deal with cyber threats. The Department of Telecommunications has issued instructions on SIM binding to ensure cyber security and prevent misuse, under which messaging apps like WhatsApp, Telegram will have to be linked to the active SIM card with which the user has registered. If the SIM is changed, the app will be logged out within 6 hours and the same SIM card will be required to login again. It is mandatory to implement this rule within 90 days.
According to the information, the Department of Telecommunications has given 90 days time to messaging platforms like WhatsApp, Telegram, Signal and Snapchat to implement “SIM binding”. This is a requirement under which if users remove the SIM card used for registration, these apps will stop working.
Strict action against fraudsters
The directive, effective from February 2026, also mandates that the web versions of these apps log users out every six hours, which will require fresh authentication through a QR code. Officials say the measure targets cyber fraudsters who take advantage of the existing system, where apps continue to function even after a SIM card is removed, replaced or deactivated. The government argues that criminals operating from outside India are taking advantage of this loophole to commit cyber frauds and scams.
Telecom Department’s instructions
As per the DoT directive, all companies providing app-based communication services, which are using Indian mobile numbers for identification of their subscribers/users or for provision or delivery of services, will have to comply within 90 days. Apps providing web access must implement periodic logouts and relinking to prevent misuse of accounts once authenticated and operated from abroad.
Mandatory SIM binding, already standard in banking/UPI systems, has now been extended to communication apps to tackle phishing, digital arrests, impersonation and investment scams.
Sanchar Saathi app is necessary in the phone
Along with this, the Department of Telecommunications has issued instructions to the companies saying that companies should sell the cyber security app ‘Sanchar Saathi’ in new smartphones only after downloading it beforehand. The department has given a time limit of 9 months to all the big smartphone manufacturing companies like Apple, Samsung, Vivo and Oppo. The department has directed mobile handset manufacturers and importers to ensure that all new devices are pre-installed with fraud reporting app Sanchar Saathi within 90 days.
Smartphone manufacturing companies have been told that users should not delete or uninstall the pre-installed Sanchar Saathi app in the new mobile phones. Not only this, it has been said in the order to install this app through software update in the phones which have already been sold.
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