Govt Sets February 28 Deadline For Whatsapp To Follow SIM-Binding Rules

The Meta-owned messaging platform WhatsApp is testing a beta feature that checks whether a user’s registered SIM card is still inserted in their device, in line with new Indian regulations.

Communications Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia during the press conference on Wednesday, confirmed that the SIM-binding rules from November 2025 will remain in force and February 28 is set as the deadline for compliance and no extension currently under consideration.

Under the new directions, messaging apps must automatically log users out of linked services such as WhatsApp Web every six hours and stop functioning if the registered SIM is not provisioned on the primary device.

The government said the new rules are intended to strengthen national security and preventing online fraud, emphasizing that there can be “no compromise” on security-related issues.

The Internet and Mobile Association of India (IAMAI) has warned that the six-hour logout requirement could impact professionals who use WhatsApp Web and families who share the same WhatsApp account on multiple devices.

What India’s SIM-Binding Mandate Means For Your Private Communication Click here