Messaging platforms including WhatsApp and Telegram are reportedly set to implement the Department of Telecommunications’ (DoT) SIM-binding mandate from January 1, 2027, requiring their services to remain linked to the active SIM associated with a user’s registered mobile number.

According to a Times of India report, platforms must complete implementation by December 31, 2026, ahead of the reported operational start date the following day. The requirement could affect users who access messaging apps on phones without the associated SIM.

The mandate stems from directions issued by the DoT in November last year under the Telecom Cyber Security Rules, 2024. The original directions named WhatsApp, Telegram, Signal, Snapchat, Arattai, ShareChat, Josh, and JioChat.

The department said some app-based communication services continued to function without the SIM associated with the registered mobile number being present in the device. According to the DoT, this allowed fraudsters operating from outside India to misuse Indian mobile numbers.

SIM binding requires covered services to remain continuously linked to the associated active SIM, rather than relying solely on verification when an account is first set up. The government said the measure was intended to improve traceability and curb phishing, digital arrest, impersonation, and investment scams.

The original directions gave platforms 90 days to implement the measures and 120 days to submit compliance reports. However, the government subsequently specified December 31, 2026, as the compliance deadline for SIM binding.

According to a CNBC report, Apple has updated its iOS software to support the SIM-binding requirements ahead of the implementation deadline.

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