India’s New SIM-Binding Rule for WhatsApp, Signal, Telegram and Other Messaging Platforms

India’s Department of Telecommunications issued a directive mandating SIM-binding for messaging apps (e.g., WhatsApp, Telegram, Signal, Snapchat), requiring services to function only with an active, KYC-verified SIM and enforcing web client auto-logout every 6 hours; platforms have 90 days to comply and 120 days to report, with penalties under the Telecommunications Act, 2023. Framed as a response to rising digital fraud losses, the move is supported by telecom operators (COAI) but opposed by technology firms (BIF) over scope, jurisdiction, and operational risks.