
Mint Explainer | SIM-binding rules get more time—but can they really stop digital fraud?
Mint explains.In November last year, the department of telecommunications (DoT) directed messaging platforms, including WhatsApp, Telegram, Signal, Arattai, Snapchat, Sharechat, Jiochat, and Josh, to ensure their services remain linked to users’ SIM cards and phone numbers. Users without an active SIM would not be able to access these apps.
The original deadline was end-February.Companies also had to enforce automatic logout from web versions every six hours, with re-login requiring QR-based device linking.Operating system providers such as Google and Apple sought more time, citing technical challenges, prompting the government to extend the deadline.The government has also dropped the mandatory six-hour logout rule after concerns it would disrupt user experience and business communication. “The web service instances of such mobile apps are required to be logged out on the basis of risk-based analysis.
No specific time period has been stipulated for such logging out,” it said in Parliament last week. In effect, only anomalous behaviour will now trigger re-verification.The directive targets a surge in digital fraud, with reported cyber-fraud losses exceeding ₹22,000 crore in 2025.
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