New Govt Rule: WhatsApp, Telegram Will Not Work Without Active SIM

The Government of India has enforced strict new regulations for app-based communication platforms, making it compulsory for users to stay connected through an active SIM card in order to continue using services like WhatsApp, Telegram, Signal and others. This move aims to strengthen national telecom security, reduce cyber fraud and maintain better tracking of communication identifiers within the country.

The new policy also introduces time-based login restrictions for web versions of these apps, ensuring that devices are frequently re-authenticated to minimise misuse. These directives will have a direct impact on widely used social and messaging platforms such as WhatsApp, Telegram, Signal, Arattai, Snapchat, ShareChat, JioChat, and Josh across India.

New SIM-Linked Usage Policy: What It Means for Users

The Centre has clarified that app-based messaging services must operate only when linked to the SIM card associated with the user’s registered phone number.

Official Notification by DoT

The directive was issued by the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) on November 28, after observing that several apps continued to work even when the registered SIM was not inserted in the device.

Key Government Observation

DoT stated that it had identified instances where

“...some app-based communication services allow users to consume services without the underlying SIM being present in the device where the app is running.”

The department flagged this as a major cyber risk, adding that:

“...and this feature is posing a challenge to telecom cyber security as it is being misused from outside the country to commit cyber-frauds,”

The government believes this rule will reduce misuse of phone numbers for impersonation, illegal activities and online scams.

Objective Behind the Policy

The primary motive behind this reform is to strengthen telecom infrastructure and prevent misuse of digital communication frameworks. The policy is being positioned as a cyber safety enhancement measure.

DoT emphasised that these changes are important to prevent manipulation of telecommunication identifiers and are required in order to

“safeguard the integrity and security of the telecom ecosystem”.

Compliance Timeline & Major Implementation Clauses

Messaging platforms operating in India will need to make significant internal changes to continue functioning legally under the new rules.

Mandatory SIM Linking Within 90 Days

All Telecommunication Identifier User Entities (TIUEs) have been instructed to ensure continuous SIM linkage within 90 days. This means apps cannot run through Wi-Fi alone or be accessed independently of the registered mobile SIM.

Web App Auto-Logout Every 6 Hours

Additionally, within the same 90-day period, app providers must put a mechanism in place to force logout of the web version once every six hours, requiring users to re-link their mobile device—most likely via QR login.

Compliance Filing Requirement

Companies must also file a compliance report within 120 days, confirming that all directives have been successfully implemented.

Enforcement & Legal Consequences

The directions come into force immediately and will remain valid until further revision or withdrawal by the department. Failure to follow these rules can lead to penal action under:

• Telecommunications Act, 2023

• Telecom Cyber Security Rules

• Applicable national cyber laws

This signals that the Indian government is taking stricter control over digital communications, prioritising transparency, verification and security of user identity.