WhatsApp and Telegram, the most used messaging apps in the world, may stop working for many users. Starting next year, the rules for these apps are going to change in India. In the coming time, all Indian Smartphone users will mandatory need to keep the SIM card of the registered mobile number in order to continue using the service of these apps. The SIM binding rule framed by the government will soon be implemented in the country.

The Department of Telecommunications (DoT) has directed these internet-based communication services to link all their active accounts with government- KYC verified SIM cards, for which the final deadline has been set as December 31, 2026. Let us tell that the main objective of these new rules is to strengthen the security between the mobile number and the social media accounts running on it. This will prevent hackers and cyber fraudsters from carrying out online frauds through messaging apps. However, after the implementation of these rules, users who run these apps relying solely on home or office Wi-Fi without a SIM card may face major difficulties in logging in and accessing them.

What is the real objective of implementing this rule?
Nowadays, people of almost all age groups are using messaging apps like WhatsApp and Telegram. Many times, people come into contact with unknown individuals on these apps and fall victim to cybercrime. In such a scenario, if the account is linked to a verified SIM card, the user who is using these apps for such criminal activities can be reached. When using these apps without a SIM, reaching the criminal often becomes extremely difficult. After this rul comes into effect, cybercrimes are expected to be curbed to a great extent.

Many smartphone users in the country will be affected
This new rule of the government will apply to both iOS and Android smartphones. Apple has even started making changes to its software. A while ago, the company issued a software update that will identify whether there is a SIM card in the iPhone or not. Now, those smartphone users will be affected who are using Whatsapp Or Telegram  with the help of their Wi-Fi without a SIM, or those who are running these apps on multiple different devices with a single number, or who keep their SIM removed from the phone, they will now have to provide information regarding their settings and SIM availability under this new rule.

Will all messaging apps have to follow the rule?
Major messaging services like WhatsApp and Telegram come under the scope of this new government order and SIM binding. According to reports, the photo-sharing app Snapchat has been kept out of the purview of this SIM binding rule. Meanwhile, Signal app, which claims extreme privacy, has not yet given any official response to this government notice. To continue chatting securely and without any interruption, all users are advised to always keep the SIM card associated with their active WhatsApp number inside their primary phone and keep it fully active by recharging it from time to time.

Will the new rule apply to all messaging apps?
According to reports, Snapchat has been kept out of this 'SIM binding' rule. For now, WhatsApp and Telegram fall under this rule. Meanwhile Signal app has not yet given any reply to the government's notice. The government says that if you want to use these apps securely and without any interruption, then as per the new rule always keep the SIM card inserted in your phone and keep it active at all times by recharging it from time to time.