The Indian government has given big relief to the users of messaging apps like WhatsApp and Telegram. Notably, the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) has extended the deadline to implement ‘SIM binding’ for WhatsApp, Telegram and other messaging apps. These companies now have time till the end of this year to comply with the SIM binding rules. It is worth noting that the government had issued rules related to SIM binding in November last year. Let us understand why SIM binding was introduced and why the government has now extended its deadline. SIM binding means that messaging apps can only be accessed on a device that has the SIM card that was initially used to register for that platform. The app will automatically log the user out if that SIM card is removed from the device, becomes inactive, or is replaced with another SIM card.
Why has the SIM binding deadline been extended?
Citing sources, *Moneycontrol* reports that the Department of Telecommunications has started informing all concerned parties about the extension of the deadline. These platforms had asked for more time citing technical difficulties in implementing the SIM binding system. The government started giving this information to every platform from March 30. Apart from messaging platforms, mobile device makers like Google and Apple had also sought more time. Apple said that given the technical limitations of its iOS system, it would not be able to immediately implement this requirement. The company is now working on a solution to solve this problem. Meta is also currently in talks with the government on this matter.
Why was SIM binding made necessary?
The government argues that SIM binding will help prevent incidents of cyber fraud. The government had observed that apps that rely on mobile numbers to identify users were allowing users to use their services even on devices that did not have an active SIM card. This poses a threat to telecom cyber security and provides a means for people working from outside the country to commit cyber fraud. Initially, messaging platforms were given 90 days to implement SIM binding, but this deadline has now been extended till the end of 2026.
