SIM-linking order rushed: Industry leaders

KEY MESSAGING PLATFORMS TOLD TO ENSURE THAT APPS ARE NOT TO BE USED UNLESS DEVICE HAS AN ACTIVE SIM

- Sejal Sharma

Industry leaders have termed the government's directive, asking major messaging platforms, including WhatsApp and Telegram, to ensure that their apps are not be used unless the device contains an active SIM card linked to the user's mobile number, “rushed and poorly designed”.

As per the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) directive, issued on November 28, all players providing app-based communication services in India will have to submit compliance reports to the DoT within 120 days from issue of the directions. It warned that failure to comply with norms will attract action under the Telecommunications Act, 2023, the Tele-com Cyber Security Rules, and other applicable laws. The directive would impact how users access services of messaging apps, including WhatsApp, Telegram, Signal, Arattai, Snapchat, Share-chat, Jiochat, Josh, in India.