Government likely to extend SIM-binding deadline for WhatsApp, Telegram and other messaging platforms: Report

The Indian government is reportedly planning to extend the SIM binding deadline for messaging platforms like WhatsApp, Telegram, and Signal. According to a report by the Hindustan Times, the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) has extended the SIM binding deadline to the end of December following multiple requests from tech companies facing implementation challenges.

What are SIM binding rules?

The DoT had issued SIM binding directive in November last year which mandated that any app based communciation platform that rely on mobile numbers must link their services directly to the active SIM card installed in the user's device.

The department had then said that the SIM binding rules are important in order to fill security gaps that are expolited by cybercriminals to run large-scale cross-border digital frauds.

“Accounts on instant messaging and calling apps continue to work even after the associated SIM is removed, deactivated or moved abroad, enabling anonymous scams, remote “digital arrest” frauds and government‑impersonation calls using Indian numbers.” DoT had said in a release last year

The rules also heavily restrict and web and desktop version of these apps, mandating that users must automatically be logged out at least ever once six hours. They will then have to re-authenticate the session by scanning via a QR code from their primary device.

What was the earlier SIM binding deadline? Why was it extended?

The DoT had earlier set a deadline for 90 days from the directive, which effectively meant end of February 2026. However, that timeline was missed and the department is now is open to an extension following requests from the platforms.

A DoT official told the Hindustan Times that the extension will allow companies to address these technical challenges, including necessary operating system updates and extensive testing.

“We will extend the compliance deadlines as companies have run into technical challenges, including testing and operating system updates. Firms have sought additional time to address these issues. The compliance will happen in a phased manner. Android is likely to comply first, while iOS faces certain technical constraints for which Apple is working on a solution. These are expected to be resolved by December,” the DoT official told HT

How are companies reacting to SIM binding extension?

An anynomous person at Meta told HT that the social media giant is working with DoT to find a technically feasible solution. They also added that SIM binding is currently in beta testing on WhatsApp for Android.

Meanwhile, Jeri John, global product head at Arattai, while speaking to the publication said, “We are working closely with the DoT to comply with the SIM-binding directive. During implementation, we encountered certain technical challenges that we are currently addressing. We have also received additional clarifications from the DoT and are incorporating those directions into our update. They have granted us a grace period, and we will roll out the necessary updates in the coming weeks to ensure full compliance with the directive,”

“As we implement these changes, our priority is to ensure that the user experience remains largely unchanged, apart from periodic SIM-binding checks and the implementation of risk-based verification measures in line with DoT guidelines,” he added.