Winning Bizness Desk

Mumbai.The Centre on Thursday made it clear that the February 28 deadline to implement the new ‘SIM binding’ framework will not be extended. From March 1, messaging applications such as WhatsApp, Telegram, Signal, Snapchat, ShareChat, JioChat, Arattai and Josh will stop working on mobile phones that do not have the registered SIM card inserted. The move is aimed at tightening digital security and plugging gaps exploited by cyber fraudsters.

Under the new system, even WhatsApp accounts accessed through computers will face tighter controls. If logged in on a desktop, the account will automatically log out every six hours. The government believes this will make it easier to trace suspicious activity and prevent unauthorised access through cloned numbers or remote logins.

What sim binding means for users

SIM binding is essentially a digital safety lock. It links a user’s messaging application directly to the physical SIM card registered with that number. This ensures that the app will open only if the same SIM card is physically present in the device.

In simple terms:

• The messaging app remains locked to the registered SIM.
• If the SIM is removed, the app may stop functioning.
• Hackers cannot activate the same number on another device without the physical SIM.

The rule will come into force on March 1, 2026. Once implemented, users must ensure that the number linked to their WhatsApp or other messaging apps remains active and inserted in the same handset.

No compromise on national security concerns

Union Communications Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia said there is no proposal at present to extend the compliance deadline. He underlined that the norms have been introduced in the interest of national security and to curb rising cases of online fraud.

According to the government, digital scams involving cloned numbers and remote access have increased in recent years. Officials argue that SIM binding will create a stronger verification layer and help law enforcement agencies identify offenders more quickly.

However, the Internet and Mobile Association of India has flagged concerns. The industry body warned that mandatory logout every six hours on computers could inconvenience professionals and businesses. It may also create difficulties for users who share a single account across devices for operational reasons.

Compliance rules and legal action warning

As per the government order:

• Companies must submit a compliance report within 120 days.
• Non-compliance can attract action under the Telecommunications Act 2023.
• Telecom Cyber Security Rules and other applicable laws may also be invoked.

The Centre has indicated that strict penalties will follow if firms fail to align their systems with the new framework.

Other issues flagged by the minister

Speaking on separate matters, Scindia said satellite internet provider Starlink has yet to complete mandatory security demonstrations before government agencies. The company must prove it can shut internet access beyond Indian borders and provide network control to authorities when required.

On another controversy, a government order related to a visit by BSNL Director Vivek Banzal to Prayagraj had gone viral. The order allegedly arranged around 50 कर्मचारियों for his service during the trip. Scindia confirmed that a show cause notice has been issued, stating that such directives are unacceptable in 21st century India and will not be ignored.

Amid these developments, the minister added that state-run telecom firm BSNL is currently performing better financially and generating a healthy cash flow, signalling stability despite recent controversies.

Key takeaways:

• SIM binding becomes mandatory from March 1, 2026.
• No extension granted for February 28 deadline.
• Messaging apps will not function without registered SIM.
• Desktop logins will auto-logout every six hours.
• Companies face action under Telecommunications Act 2023.
• Starlink yet to clear security demonstrations.
• Show cause notice issued in BSNL director controversy.