The Centre is likely to extend the deadline for messaging platforms to comply with its SIM-binding directive, after companies flagged technical challenges in implementing the requirement. Officials from the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) said compliance is now expected by the end of December, with rollout planned in phases, reported Hindustan Times.
Deadline likely to be extended
The directive, issued in November 2025, asked messaging platforms that use mobile numbers for identification to ensure services remain linked to the SIM card installed in a user's device. The move aims to prevent misuse of telecom identifiers and reduce cyber fraud, including cases originating from outside India.
Companies were initially required to comply within 90 days, by the end of February 2026, and submit a compliance report within 120 days. However, these timelines were not met. The government had earlier indicated flexibility until March-end but is now considering a longer extension following requests from platforms.
"We will extend the compliance deadlines as companies have run into technical challenges, including testing and operating system updates. Firms have sought additional time to address these issues. The compliance will happen in a phased manner. Android is likely to comply first, while iOS faces certain technical constraints for which Apple is working on a solution. These are expected to be resolved by December," HT quoted a DoT official as saying on the condition of anonymity.
What SIM-binding rule requires
Under the directive, apps such as WhatsApp, Signal, Telegram, ShareChat and Arattai must ensure accounts remain tied to an active SIM. This would make it difficult to use the services without a valid mobile connection.
The order also requires web-based versions to periodically log users out, at least once every six hours, with re-authentication typically done through a QR code.
Platforms working on compliance
People aware of the matter at Meta said WhatsApp is working with the DoT to find a technically-feasible solution. For WhatsApp on Android, SIM binding is currently in beta testing, they added. As of Thursday, the company had reportedly not received a formal extension.
Arattai, developed by Zoho, said it is coordinating with the government to address implementation challenges. "We are working closely with the DoT to comply with the SIM-binding directive. During implementation, we encountered certain technical challenges that we are currently addressing. We have also received additional clarifications from the DoT and are incorporating those directions into our update. They have granted us a grace period, and we will roll out the necessary updates in the coming weeks to ensure full compliance with the directive," Jeri John, global product head at Arattai, said.
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"As we implement these changes, our priority is to ensure that the user experience remains largely unchanged, apart from periodic SIM-binding checks and the implementation of risk-based verification measures in line with DoT guidelines," he added.
Industry seeks more consultations
The directive has drawn pushback from the industry, with companies raising concerns about implementation across devices and web logins. They said continuous SIM binding would require significant app-level changes and coordination with operating system providers.
TV Ramachandran, president of Broadband India Forum, said further discussions were needed. "Our predominant ask had been that we need more consultations because there are issues which have not surfaced in any discussion. We are all aligned with the same cause, we want to stop cyber fraud. But we need to tackle it comprehensively," he was quoted as saying by HT.
