India Mandates SIM Binding for Messaging Apps to Curb Cyber Fraud
· Technology · Times of India, India Today
India has made SIM binding mandatory starting January 1, 2027, requiring messaging apps like WhatsApp and Telegram to function only when a live SIM card is present in the device. The Department of Telecommunications issued guidelines stating that platforms must integrate accounts with active SIMs by December 31, 2026. If a SIM is removed or deactivated, the app will stop working until a valid SIM is reinserted. Apple has already updated iOS with a software patch to detect iPhones operating without a physical SIM card. The measure aims to combat cross-border cyber frauds, phishing scams, and digital arrests utilising Indian mobile numbers.
Why it matters
Millions of Indian users who rely on messaging apps over Wi-Fi without active SIM cards or across multiple devices will need to adapt to the new rules.
Read the original report — Times of India
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