Updated: Sun, 30 Nov 2025 05:30 (IST) In order to bring about a major change in the way popular messaging apps are used, the central government has imposed new conditions for services like WhatsApp, Telegram, Signal, Snapchat, ShareChat, JioChat, Arattai and Josh. The Department of Telecommunications (DOT) has mandated that these applications will now only work if an active SIM card is present in the user’s device. Now apps like WhatsApp-Telegram won’t work without an active SIM (symbolic picture) IANS, New Delhi. To bring a major change in the way popular messaging apps are used, the central government has imposed new conditions for services like WhatsApp, Telegram, Signal, Snapchat, ShareChat, JioChat, Aarattai and Josh. The Department of Telecommunications (DOT) has mandated that these apps will now only work when an active SIM card is present in the user’s device. Remove Ads Read News Only The government said the orders are being implemented with immediate effect and companies will have to implement the system within 90 days and submit compliance reports within 120 days. This order was issued under the Telecom CyberSecurity (Amendment) Rules, 2025, whereby app-based telecom services were included in the strict telecom regulatory regime for the first time. New system to be implemented within 90 days DoT has clarified that all such services will have to ensure within 90 days from the instructions that the application can be used with the same active SIM card whose mobile number was used to identify the consumer. Without it, it should be impossible to run the application. Strict rules for web users: Under the new rules, it will be mandatory for the web version of the app to log out automatically every six hours. To log in again, the user will need to re-pair the device through the QR code. Strict steps to stop cyber fraud DoT has warned that misuse of the facility to run apps without SIM is increasing in cyber crimes committed from abroad affecting the telecom security infrastructure. The department said these directions are necessary to prevent misuse of telecommunications identifiers and “maintain the integrity and security of the telecommunications ecosystem”. Why are these rules necessary? The Cellular Operators Association of India (COAI) had earlier indicated that the functioning of messaging apps independently of SIMs poses a security risk. Cybercriminals, especially gangs operating from abroad, can continue to commit fraud through these apps even after the SIM is deactivated or replaced. In such cases, it becomes difficult to trace criminals from call records, location logs or any telecom data. According to COAI, mandatory SIM bonding will create a trusted link between the user, phone number and device, which will help curb spam, scam calls and financial fraud.
