Department of Telecommunications, DoT has issued directions to major App-Based Communication Services to prevent the misuse of telecommunication identifiers and to safeguard the integrity and security of the telecom ecosystem. These include WhatsApp, Telegram, Snapchat, Arattai, Sharechat, Josh, Jiochat and Signal. Ministry of Communications in a statement said that directions mandate to ensure that the App-Based Communication Services is continuously linked to the SIM card installed in the device, making it impossible to use the app without that specific, active SIM.

It is also to ensure that the web service instance of the Mobile App, if provided, shall be logged out periodically and allowing the facility to the user to re-link the device using QR code. The Ministry added that App-Based Communication Services that are utilizing Indian Mobile Number for identification of its customers or for provisioning or delivery of services to comply within 90 days and submit the report in 120 days. Minsitry said that DoT’s SIM binding directions are essential to plug a concrete security gap that cybercriminals are exploiting to run large scale, often cross-border, digital frauds. It said, accounts on instant messaging and calling apps continue to work even after the associated SIM is removed, deactivated or moved abroad, enabling anonymous scams, remote digital arrest frauds and government-impersonation calls using Indian numbers.

The Ministry added that with cyber‑fraud losses exceeding 22 thousand 800 crore rupees last year alone, these uniform, enforceable directions under the Telecom Cyber Security Rules are a proportionate measure to prevent misuse of telecom identifiers, ensure traceability and protect citizens’ trust in India’s digital ecosystem.