The Indian government has deferred the implementation of its controversial SIM binding directive to December 31, following strong pushback from major technology companies, offering temporary relief to OTT messaging platforms and users alike.
Govt’s sim binding directive had witnessed strong pushback from big tech players like Apple, Google, Meta, Whatsapp, Microsoft. The Department of Telecommunications (DoT) had earlier issued directions mandating that OTT messaging services such as WhatsApp and Telegram remain constantly linked with a mobile SIM card, a move that triggered widespread industry concern.
DoT had issued directions for sim binding, mandating that OTT messaging services like WhatsApp, Telegram remain constantly linked with the SIM Card. DoT’s Sim binding directions also required mandatory logouts every six-hours for web, laptop versions of these messaging apps, raising concerns over user convenience and operational feasibility.
As reported earlier on February 27, major technology firms had written to the DoT Secretary, opposing the SIM binding directive on the grounds that it is unconstitutional and goes beyond the scope of the Telecom Act. The Broadband India Forum, which represents companies such as Amazon, Google, Meta, WhatsApp and Microsoft, also termed the Telecommunications (Telecom Cyber Security) Amendment Rules, 2025 legally untenable and called on the government to urgently review the provisions.
DOT had issued directions for SIM binding under the amended Telecom Cyber Security Rules. Under the SIM binding directions, DOT had asked for app-based communication services to be continuously linked to SIM Card of the mobile. This would make it impossible for use of services like Whatsapp or Telegram without an active SIM card. Under these directions, messaging apps were also required to ensure that the web-based services for laptops and PCs shall be logged out every six hours.
The decision to extend the deadline signals that the government may be open to reconsidering aspects of the directive amid mounting legal and industry concerns, even as discussions between stakeholders continue.
