WhatsApp SIM Binding Rule Explained: India’s New Internet Order

The Union government has ordered WhatsApp to link its service tightly to your SIM card from February 2026. The rule, called SIM binding, means WhatsApp will stop working the moment the registered SIM leaves your phone. The Department of Telecommunications issued this direction to WhatsApp, Telegram, and Signal.

Officials say fraudsters use apps with numbers activated on one device and operated from another. Now, the government wants every account tied to the same SIM at all times.

Why SIM Binding Matters

Right now, WhatsApp only checks your mobile number once during signup. After that, you can use the app across devices without any SIM-based checks. The government claims this loophole helps cybercriminals mask their location.

With SIM binding, apps must verify the SIM constantly. If someone removes the SIM or tries to operate the app from outside the country, the service will stop.

This step, the government says, will add friction for fraudsters. However, it also raises concerns for regular users who depend on multi-device access.

Web Sessions Will Log Out Every Six Hours

Another major change affects WhatsApp Web. Currently, once you link a laptop or tablet, the session stays active for days. Under the new rule, all web sessions must auto-logout every six hours.

This rule aims to block misuse from stolen or duplicated accounts. However, it will require users to relink their devices frequently, bringing extra steps to everyday workflows.

How This Order Expands DoT’s Reach

The DoT traditionally handles telecom networks and spectrum. This direction pushes it deeper into the internet app ecosystem. The shift began earlier this year when DoT updated its Cyber Security Rules and created the category Telecommunication Identifier User Entities (TIUEs).

TIUEs include any platform that uses mobile numbers to identify users. This means e-commerce apps, fintech services, and messaging platforms all fall under the new layer of oversight.

Industry Raises Red Flags

Industry bodies say the directions came without consultations or feasibility studies. They argue that the rules extend beyond the DoT’s legal mandate and could disrupt digital businesses that rely on mobile number verification.

Several experts warn that determined fraudsters may still find ways to bypass restrictions. Yet, the rules will immediately impact millions of everyday users.

What Users Should Expect Next

The order takes effect in February 2026. Messaging apps now have limited time to redesign their systems, add continuous SIM checks, and build automatic logout features.

Users should prepare for stricter device linking, more frequent verifications, and reduced flexibility across multiple devices.