The way Indians use messaging apps will change as a result of the new SIM-binding regulations. Apps like Telegram, WhatsApp, and Signal can no longer be used on a device without an active SIM card. This implies that you won’t be able to use WhatsApp on a phone with a different SIM card, you won’t be able to switch between devices without restriction, and you will need to log out of these messaging apps on the web much more frequently.The notification went into effect immediately after it was issued on November 28, 2025.
The document states, “The Central Government has noticed that certain App Based Communication Services that use mobile numbers to identify their customers or users or to provision or deliver services allow users to consume their services without the availability of the underlying Subscriber Identity Module (SIM) within the device in which App Based Communication Services is running and this feature is posing a challenge.”
The Telecom Cyber Security Rules were first announced by the government in 2024 and revised in 2025. Apps and services that use mobile numbers to identify users or provide services are subject to these regulations. These applications are classified as Telecommunication Identifier User Entities under the regulations. They have to abide by all government regulations designed to stop the abuse of mobile numbers, telecom equipment, networks, and services.
Make sure that the App Based Communication Services is consistently connected to the SIM card that is installed in the device starting ninety days after the instructions are issued. This will make it difficult to use the app without that particular, active SIM.
Make sure that the mobile app’s web service instance is periodically logged out (no later than six hours) and enables the user to re-link the device using a QR code starting ninety days after the instructions were issued. These directives take effect right away and stay in force until the DoT modifies or rescinds them.
All TIUEs that identify users or provide services using mobile numbers are instructed by the Department of Telecommunications to adhere to new regulations. After these instructions are announced, all such apps have 120 days to submit compliance reports to the DoT. The Telecommunications Act, 2023, the Telecom Cyber Security Rules, 2024 (as modified), and other relevant laws will take legal action for noncompliance.
The DoT explained that the “Subscriber Identity Module (SIM) within the device in which App Based Communication Services is running and this feature is posing challenge to telecom cyber security as it is being misused from outside the country to commit cyber-frauds.”
For the past few months, there have been discussions about this with well-known service providers. In order to avoid the misuse of telecommunication identifiers and to protect the integrity and security of the telecom ecosystem, it became necessary to give instructions to such app-based communication services due to the severity of the problem, it continued.
