SIM binding deadline for WhatsApp, Telegram extended: What's the reason?
What's the story
The Department of Telecommunications (DoT) has extended the deadline for messaging platforms like WhatsApp, Signal, and Telegram to comply with its SIM binding directive. The new deadline is now set for the end of this year. The decision comes after these social media platforms flagged implementation challenges. The extension was granted after technical issues were raised by the platforms and additional time was requested.
Industry response
Apple, Google requested more time
The request for an extension wasn't limited to messaging platforms alone. Hardware manufacturers and OS providers like Google and Apple have also sought more time. Apple has flagged certain technical constraints within its iOS ecosystem and is working on possible solutions. Meanwhile, Meta, WhatsApp's parent company, is in talks with the DoT to find a technically feasible solution for SIM binding compliance.
Directive
What is the SIM binding directive?
The SIM binding directive, issued in November 2025, mandates platforms using mobile numbers as identifiers to ensure continuous linkage between the accounts and the SIM installed in the user's device. The move is aimed at curbing fraud by preventing unauthorized access through duplicated numbers or intercepted OTPs. Communications Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia has called SIM binding a necessity for national security.
Compliance timeline
Initial deadline was end-February
Initially, companies were given a 90-day window until end-February 2026 to comply with the SIM binding directive. An additional 30 days was provided for report submissions. However, this deadline was missed. The DoT had previously indicated flexibility until March-end but has now extended the timeline after industry representations. The directive also calls for tighter controls on web-based access, with platforms required to log users out at least once every six hours.
PushbackÂ
Industry raises concerns over feasibility
The proposal has been met with resistance from the industry, which has raised concerns about its feasibility and impact on user experience. TV Ramachandran, president of Broadband India Forum (BIF), representing companies like Meta and Google, expressed "serious concerns" over the directive. He urged the government to pause implementation timelines and conduct wider stakeholder consultations. The Internet and Mobile Association of India (IAMAI) also cautioned that this mandate could adversely affect businesses, particularly MSMEs.