Major Changes Ahead: WhatsApp and Telegram Users Must Prepare for New SIM Binding Rules by 2027

10/23/2026

Under mandatory SIM binding, messaging applications must remain linked to the specific, active SIM card associated with the mobile number used to identify the user.

10/23/2026

SIM binding is set to be mandatory from January 1, 2027. The Department of Telecommunications (DoT) has confirmed messaging apps must verify that the mobile number associated with an account is...

10/23/2026

From January 1, 2027, chat apps tied to Indian phone numbers must confirm a working SIM inside the handset, under new DoT norms designed to tackle online fraud.

10/23/2026

From Jan 1, messaging services to be used will have to ensure a registered SIM card is installed in a device. This is likely to impact users of WhatsApp or Telegram over Wi-Fi without registered...

10/23/2026

The aim is to curb cybercrime, including phishing, impersonation and so-called digital arrest scams.

10/22/2026

If you use WhatsApp or Telegram on a phone that does not have the SIM card linked to your account, you need to be prepared for a change. The government’s SIM-binding rule is set to come into...

10/22/2026

WhatsApp, Telegram and other messaging apps may have to remain linked to registered, active SIM cards under India's new SIM-binding rules from January 1, 2027. The DoT has set December 31, 2026,...