India tightens rules for WhatsApp, Telegram and messaging apps to curb online fraud
Babushahi Bureau
New Delhi, November 30, 2025: The Government of India has announced significant changes to regulate the use of WhatsApp, Telegram, Signal, and other major instant messaging apps. Under the Telecom Cybersecurity (Amendment) Rules, 2025, all WhatsApp accounts must now be linked to an active SIM card at all times. The move aims to curb rising online fraud and spam on digital platforms.
Key Changes:
- SIM Linking: Apps must now verify that the registered SIM card is present and active in the user’s device, effectively enforcing SIM-based authentication.
- Automatic Logout on Web Versions: Users of WhatsApp and similar apps will be automatically logged out of web versions every six hours.
- Re-authentication: Users will be required to scan a QR code to re-authenticate when accessing the app again.
Officials believe these measures will make it difficult for cybercriminals to operate anonymously or misuse inactive SIM cards.
- WhatsApp has been classified as a Telecom Identified User Entity (TIUE) under the new directive, a category introduced under the Indian Telecom Act.
- This classification means WhatsApp must strictly follow cybersecurity and verification norms, similar to telecom companies.
According to the Cellular Operators Association of India (COAI), previously, once linked, messaging apps operated independently, increasing the potential for misuse. The government says these new steps will make it easier to detect fraudulent communications and strengthen the protection of users’ personal data.