India Extends SIM-Binding Deadline for Messaging Apps
In short
India ordered messaging apps in November 2025 to stay linked to the active SIM in the device. In April 2026, PTI reported that the compliance deadline was extended to December 31 and that the six-hour web logout rule was dropped.
On November 28, 2025, India's Department of Telecommunications (DoT) directed app-based messaging services, including WhatsApp, Telegram, Signal and Snapchat, to make sure their apps stay continuously linked to the SIM card in the device. Reports said the app should stop working if that SIM is removed, replaced or deactivated. The original directions also required web and desktop sessions to log out at least every six hours.
The DoT's stated aim is to stop accounts verified once with an Indian number from being operated from elsewhere, which it says lets criminals run scams using Indian numbers.
Platforms raised technical concerns. On April 2, 2026, citing an unnamed official speaking to PTI, outlets reported that the deadline had been extended to December 31. The same reports said the mandatory six-hour logout for web versions was dropped in favor of logouts based on the platforms' own risk analysis. We could not find an official DoT notice confirming the extension, so details may still change.
The rule applies to India. For anyone else, it is a sign of a wider trend: governments and apps treating the phone number as an identity anchor that has to stay live, not just a one-time check at sign-up. Whichever number you use, verify only your own legitimate accounts and follow each app's terms.
What to do
If you use an Indian number for WhatsApp or Telegram, keep that SIM active in the phone you use, and watch for app prompts before the deadline.
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