India Orders Messaging Apps to Work Only With Active SIM Cards to Prevent Fraud and Misuse

According to the Department of Telecommunications (DoT), app-based communication services must ensure their platforms cannot be used unless linked to an active SIM card associated with the user’s mobile number. The directions cover messaging apps including WhatsApp, Telegram, Snapchat, Arattai, Sharechat, Josh, JioChat, and Signal, requiring them to comply within 90 days under an amendment to the Telecommunications (Telecom Cyber Security) Rules, 2024.

The move aims to curb the misuse of telecommunication identifiers for phishing, scams, and cyber fraud by closing a security gap exploited by bad actors. The DoT notes that accounts can currently remain active even if the SIM is removed or the device moved abroad, enabling anonymous scams and government‑impersonation calls, and that long‑lived sessions hinder tracing.

The directive mandates that app web services be logged out every six hours and require re-linking via a QR code, tying every active account to a KYC‑verified SIM to aid authorities in tracing numbers used in fraudulent activities. WhatsApp and Signal did not respond to comment requests.