Sim Binding Timeline: The Indian government has given big relief to the people using other messaging apps including WhatsApp and Telegram. Actually, the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) has extended the deadline for SIM binding for messaging apps like WhatsApp and Telegram. Now these companies have time till the end of this year to follow the rules of SIM binding. Let us tell you that the government had issued rules regarding SIM binding in November last year. Let us know why SIM binding was introduced and now why the government has extended its timeline.
What is Sim Binding?
SIM binding means that messaging apps can only be accessed on a device that has the same SIM that was used to register for that platform. If that SIM is removed from that device, becomes inactive or another SIM is inserted in it, then the app will automatically log out the user.
Why has the timeline for Sim Binding been extended?
Moneycontrol has written quoting sources that the Department of Telecommunications has started giving information about this to all the stakeholders by extending the timeline. These platforms had demanded additional time citing technical issues in implementing SIM binding. From March 30, the government has started giving this information to every platform. Apart from messaging platforms, mobile companies like Google and Apple had also asked for additional time. Apple said that it would not be able to implement it given the technical limitations of its iOS ecosystem. Now the company is working on its solution. Meta is also talking to the government regarding this.
Why was Sim Binding made mandatory?
The government argues that SIM binding will help in preventing cases of cyber fraud. In fact, the government had found that apps that use mobile numbers to identify users are allowing users to use their services even without a SIM in the device. This poses a threat to telecom cyber security and because of this people sitting outside the country can commit cyber fraud. Initially, messaging platforms were given 90 days to implement SIM binding, but now its timeline has been extended till the end of 2026.
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