India to tie WhatsApp and Telegram to SIM cards from 2027

Starting January 1, 2027, messaging apps in India, including WhatsApp, Telegram and Signal, will have to verify that an active registered SIM card stays in the device. Web sessions must be logged out at least every six hours and restored via a fresh QR code. The Department of Telecommunications introduced the rule under the Telecom Cyber Security Rules, 2024 to curb fraud.

• Compliance deadline is December 31, 2026, with rollout on January 1, 2027
• Web clients must log out at least every six hours
• Snapchat is reportedly exempt from the requirement
• Officials link number-based scams to over 22,000 crore rupees in yearly losses