WhatsApp users in India may soon be required to have a SIM card inserted in their phones to use the messaging app. The company is reportedly working on a SIM binding feature in compliance with a government directive from the Department of Telecommunications (DoT).
What is SIM Binding?
The new rule, introduced last year by the DoT, applies to messaging apps like WhatsApp, Telegram, and Signal. Under this regulation, a user cannot operate an account without the SIM associated with the phone number being physically present in the device. If the SIM is removed, the app will automatically log out, ensuring that accounts remain tied to verified phone numbers.
WhatsApp Beta Hints at the Change
The feature has already appeared in WhatsApp’s Beta version 2.26.8.6 as a pop-up notification, signaling that the company is actively implementing the government-mandated change. Once fully rolled out, Indian users will no longer be able to access their WhatsApp account on a device without inserting the registered SIM card.
Implications for Users
For users accessing WhatsApp on desktops or laptops via WhatsApp Web, additional restrictions may apply. Reports indicate that accounts could log out automatically every six hours unless connected to a SIM-verified device.
This move marks a significant step in the government’s push to strengthen account security and ensure mobile number authenticity across messaging platforms.
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