The central government made it clear on Thursday that the February 28 deadline for implementing ‘SIM binding’ rules will not be extended. Under the new rules, if there is no SIM card in the mobile, messaging apps like WhatsApp, Telegram, Signal, Snapchat, ShareChat, JioChat, Aratai, and Josh will not work. WhatsApp logged in on a computer will also be logged out in 6 hours. The government claims that this will help in detecting cyber fraudsters.
Understand what the new rule is and how it will affect you? Question. What is SIM binding? Answer. SIM binding is a security shield. It ‘locks’ your messaging app with your physical SIM card. Its biggest advantage is that no hacker or fraudster will be able to use your number from another device. Question. When will the new SIM binding rule come into effect? Answer. When you link an app with SIM binding, that app will only open when your registered SIM card is present inside the same phone. This rule will be effective from March 1, 2026. Question. Why did the government refuse to extend the deadline? Answer. Union Communications Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia said that there is currently no consideration to extend the deadline for complying with the rules. He said that these rules have been implemented for national security and to prevent fraud, and the government will not compromise on security issues. Question. What will users have to do from March 1? Answer. Users will have to ensure that the SIM card for their WhatsApp number is in the same phone. If the SIM card is removed from the phone, the messaging app may stop working. Question. What is the stand of tech companies and organizations on this? Answer. The Industry Association (IAMAI) has warned the government that the rule of logging out every 6 hours will be troublesome for professionals. It will also cause problems for users who share a single account. Question. What action will be taken if companies do not comply with the rules? Answer. As per the Central Government’s order, companies will have to submit a report on this within 120 days. Failure to comply with the rules will result in action under the Telecommunication Act 2023, Telecom Cybersecurity Rules, and other applicable laws. Jyotiraditya Scindia also provided information on two other matters 1. Starlink Launch Regarding the satellite internet service ‘Starlink’, Scindia stated that the company has not yet completed the necessary demos before government security agencies. The company will have to show that it can shut down internet access outside Indian borders. If needed, it can provide control over the network. 2. BSNL Officer’s Case Recently, a government order regarding BSNL Director Vivek Banjal’s visit to Prayagraj went viral. It stated that arrangements should be made for about 50 employees for his service. Scindia said that a ‘show cause’ notice has been issued in this matter. Such an order being issued in 21st century India is absolutely unacceptable. We will not let it go unaddressed. Amidst the controversies, Minister Scindia also stated that the government telecom company BSNL is currently performing better financially and the company is generating “healthy cash flow”.
