Tech: New restrictions on messenger and calling apps! DoT issues stricter rules, making apps no longer work without a SIM..

The Department of Telecommunications (DoT) has imposed stricter regulations on messenger and app-based communication services to strengthen telecom cybersecurity and curb rising cyber fraud. According to the new directives, all messaging and calling apps operating in India, such as WhatsApp and Telegram, must be mandatorily linked to the active SIM card associated with the mobile number used to identify the user. If the same SIM card is not used in the mobile phone, the social media app will be logged out within six hours.

This is a significant step by the DoT to prevent cyber fraud and unauthorized use. These directives are mandatory to be implemented within 90 days, and all app providers (TIUEs) must submit a compliance report to the DoT within 120 days.

Why were these rules implemented?

According to the DoT, many app-based communication services allow users to access their platforms without a SIM card, allowing criminals to commit cyber fraud from outside India without detection. Given the rapidly increasing cybercrimes and security risks, the government has considered this a major threat.

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Key provisions of the new directives:

Apps must be mandatorily linked to a SIM.

Within 90 days of the issuance of the directive, an active SIM card from the mobile number running the app must be present in the device. The app will cease to function if the SIM is removed. This will prevent fraudulent activities such as fake users, unauthorized numbers, and those operating from abroad.

Auto-logout every 6 hours is mandatory.

The web and multi-device versions of the app must auto-logout every 6 hours. Users will then be required to re-login via a QR code or other secure method with the SIM-linked SIM. This is a measure to prevent people from running the web version of apps without a SIM card for extended periods of time.

The rule will also apply during foreign travel.

If a person travels abroad, international roaming must be enabled to ensure the SIM card remains valid and the app doesn't shut down. If roaming is disabled or the SIM is deactivated, the app will no longer be usable.

What is the government's concern?
The DoT has found that many apps offer access to foreign numbers or SIM-free accounts, which are being misused for fake calls, fake OTP fraud, online fraud, and identity-masking crimes. The new guidelines aim to ensure cybersecurity, ease of tracking, and authentic identity verification.

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