NEW DELHI, Dec 1— Users of WhatsApp, Telegram, Signal, and other web-based messaging apps in India will now be logged out every six hours, following a directive from the Department of Telecommunications (DoT).
The directive requires all web companions to remain tied to the SIM used during registration. “Each platform must ensure the original SIM is present on the device; otherwise, access will be blocked within 90 days,” the DoT said. Platforms must report compliance within four months.
Officials said the measure is aimed at curbing cyber fraud. Fraudsters have exploited web versions of apps without the registered SIM, often from outside India. “SIM binding ensures activities can be traced to a physical subscriber,” the circular added.
The mandate is part of the Telecommunication Cybersecurity Amendment Rules, 2025, which introduced the concept of a Telecommunication Identifier User Entity. Messaging platforms will now need to access the International Mobile Subscriber Identity (IMSI) stored on SIM cards, requiring technical changes for Indian users.
While telecom operators welcomed the move, tech firms warned of privacy and convenience concerns. “Six-hour logouts and constant SIM verification could disrupt multi-device usage and make access difficult for users travelling abroad,” said a company source.
