No active SIM, no WhatsApp: What DoT's new rules mean

On Friday, the department of telecommunications (DoT) asked companies that own messaging apps such as WhatsApp, Signal, and Telegram not to allow users without active SIM cards in their phones to use these apps. Why has the DoT done this now, and what does it mean for the future of these widely used platforms?

- Jatin Grover

Centre said SIM-free access enables cyber fraud, hurts telecom security, necessitating immediate enforcement.

(ISTOCKPHOTO)

What are the directions?

In a letter dated 28 November, DoT asked the companies that own the messaging apps WhatsApp, Telegram, Signal, Arattai, Snapchat, Sharechat, Jiochat, and Josh to ensure that their services remained linked to users' SIM cards and phone numbers. This means a user without an active SIM card in their phone should not be able to use the apps. Companies must also ensure that users are automatically logged out of the web versions of these apps every six hours, and can only log back in by re-linking their device using a QR code. DoT has issued these directions under the Telecommunications (Telecom Cyber Security) Rules, 2024, which were amended in October.

Why did DoT issue them?