From 1 January 2027, WhatsApp and Telegram may not work without SIM Card under DoT Mandate

• Kanishka
• 24 Oct 2026
• 803 Views

From 1 January 2027, individuals who use WhatsApp, Telegram and other messaging apps may be required to keep their registered SIM cards active in their mobile phones under SIM binding notified by Indian government. This measure will require messaging platforms to ensure their services function only when an active SIM linked to the account is present in device.

Deadline for SIM-Binding Rules

The Department of Telecommunications (DoT) has set 31 December 2026 as the deadline for messaging platforms to comply with SIM binding requirements. These requirements aim to reduce cyber fraud and prevent misuse of Indian mobile numbers. There is a possibility that from the beginning of next year, users could lose access to their messaging accounts if SIM linked to the account is removed, deactivated or replaced. 

Under SIM binding framework, messaging apps that use Indian mobile numbers for registration must verify that the registered number is associated with an active SIM card or eSIM on device. In practical terms, this means users may not be able to access their accounts indefinitely after removing SIM card used to create the account. If the registered SIM is removed, replaced or becomes inactive, the app may suspend functionality until same number is restored through a valid SIM card or eSIM profile. 

Why Is the Government Introducing These Rules?

The SIM binding decision by government forms an essential part of the broader effort to fight against cybercrime, digital arrest scams and phishing operations. The DoT mentioned that fraudsters have exploited Indian mobile numbers by buying SIM cards, registering messaging accounts and then managing those accounts from outside India. 

Authorities believe that establishing a stronger connection between messaging accounts and active SIM cards will help prevent the misuse of Indian phone numbers for cross-border fraud. The government has pointed to significant financial losses experienced by Indian consumers due to cyber fraud as a primary reason for tightening regulations. 

Messaging platforms like WhatsApp and Telegram are expected to be included under the new requirements as they use phone numbers for the purpose of user identification as well as registration. However, reports indicate that Snapchat is likely to be exempt from DoT SIM binding mandate. The status of Signal remains uncertain. Reports suggest that this platform has not yet responded to government communications regarding this issue. 

Those with dual SIM devices may be required to ensure that the number linked to their messaging account remains active as well as compliant with the requirements established by the platform. It is anticipated that the DoT rules will apply to both physical SIM cards and eSIM profiles. It is unlikely that the users will face challenges solely because they do not use a physical SIM card as long as their registered mobile number is linked to an active eSIM on the device.

What is SIM Binding?

SIM binding refers to a mandate by DoT that requires WhatsApp, Telegram and other messaging apps to remain associated with an active SIM card. This ensures that accounts can be linked to a live, KYC-verified mobile connection. Simply put, a messaging account must stay connected to a functioning SIM card that has undergone Know Your Customer (KYC) verification. In the event a SIM card is removed, deactivated or becomes inactive, the messaging service could stop working according to this rule. 

The DoT states that this measure aims to prevent scams, phishing attempts, impersonation calls and other forms of cyber fraud that can occur through accounts that stay active even after related SIM is no longer in use. The government has extended the compliance deadline for this rule to 31 December 2026 in response to requests from the industry. 

Source:- NDTV