India may extend SIM binding deadline for WhatsApp and others
What's the story
The Indian government is considering an extension of the SIM binding deadline for messaging platforms like WhatsApp, Telegram, and Signal, according to Hindustan Times. The move comes after tech companies flagged implementation challenges. The Department of Telecommunications (DoT) has reportedly proposed a new deadline until December 2026 for compliance with this directive.
Directive details
SIM binding directive was issued last year
The SIM binding directive, issued by the DoT in November last year, requires app-based communication platforms that rely on mobile numbers to directly link their services with the active SIM card in a user's device. The rule is aimed at filling security gaps exploited by cybercriminals for large-scale cross-border digital frauds. It also restricts web and desktop versions of these apps, requiring automatic logout every six hours and re-authentication via a QR code scan from primary devices.
Compliance challenges
Android likely to comply first
The DoT's original deadline was 90 days from the directive, which would have been February-end 2026. However, as companies struggled with technical challenges such as testing and operating system updates, they requested more time. A DoT official confirmed to HT that the compliance will be phased out with Android likely to comply first, while iOS faces certain technical constraints that Apple is working on resolving by December.
Corporate reactions
Meta and Arattai working on SIM binding
An anonymous person at Meta told HT that the company is working with DoT for a technically feasible solution. They also revealed that SIM binding is currently in beta testing on WhatsApp for Android. Meanwhile, Arattai's global product head Jeri John said they are closely working with DoT to comply with the SIM-binding directive and are addressing certain technical challenges during implementation.