SIM-binding deadline for messaging apps extended

New Delhi: The government has extended SIM-binding deadline for mobile messaging apps such as WhatsApp, Telegram, Signal, etc, to December 31 following request from the industry, according to sources.

The SIM-binding rule mandates messaging platforms to provide their service on a mobile device only if there is an active SIM available in it.

The Department of Telecom (DoT) has also removed the mandatory six-hour logout rule for web version of apps to risk analysis-based log out.

The DoT issued directions to major app-based communication service providers on November 28, 2025 to ensure that their services are continuously linked to the active SIM card in the device from February 26 and report compliance by March 28.

“The government has extended the deadline for applicability of SIM-binding rule to December 31 following representation from the industry players,” a source said. The directive earlier mandated apps to log out users after six hours from the web version of messaging platforms. AGENCIES