Summary:
The Department of Telecommunications (DoT) has extended the SIM binding deadline to the end of 2026, a move aimed at reducing cybercrime and online fraud. The rule would require users to frequently re-login to social media apps like WhatsApp on secondary devices, while keeping only the primary SIM-linked device permanently signed in. Originally set for March 30, 2026, the deadline has been pushed back, with concerns that repeated logins may inconvenience users. Meanwhile, Meta is in discussions with the DoT to develop a feasible implementation plan, especially given WhatsApp’s large user base in India and widespread multi-device usage.
The Department of Telecommunications (DoT) has postponed the SIM binding deadline to the end of 2026. This measure has been introduced by the government to help curb digital fraud and cybercrime. Under this rule, users would need to repeatedly sign in to their social media accounts, such as WhatsApp, on secondary devices every few hours. Only the primary device—linked to the user’s SIM card and phone number—would remain continuously logged in.
Previously, the government had set March 30, 2026, as the deadline for implementation, following its initial announcement in November 2025. However, a MoneyControl report indicates that this timeline has now been extended to the end of the year. Frequent re-authentication is expected to cause inconvenience for users.
Meta, the parent company of WhatsApp and Facebook, is currently in talks with the DoT to determine a practical and technically viable approach. WhatsApp has over 400 million active users in India, many of whom access their accounts across multiple devices.
