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Instant messaging platform WhatsApp is preparing to bring a major change for its users in India. According to reports, the company is working on a new feature called SIM Binding, under which the app will check whether a user's registered SIM is present in the phone. This step is being taken to comply with the government's new telecom cybersecurity regulations. If implemented, this feature could change the way WhatsApp is used in India.

What is WhatsApp's SIM Binding feature?
According to feature tracker WABetaInfo, WhatsApp is developing a system that will verify the SIM card in a user's phone. The app will inform users through a pop-up that verification of the SIM card is necessary due to Indian regulations. This feature has currently been spotted in WhatsApp beta for Android 2.26.8.6 and is currently in the development stage. This means it may take some time to reach general users. The company is preparing to implement this feature for accounts with Indian phone numbers.

The entire matter is related to DoT regulations.
Meta is making this change in accordance with a directive issued by the Department of Telecommunications in November 2025. Under the Telecommunications (Cyber ​​Security) Rules 2024, messaging apps will be required to require SIM-based login verification. This rule will apply to platforms like WhatsApp, Signal, and Telegram. The government's stated aim is to curb cyber fraud and fake accounts. Once implemented, app access will only be available if the registered SIM is present in the phone.

What happens if verification fails?
According to feature tracker WABetaInfo, WhatsApp will periodically check the SIM card when renewing a user's account session. If the check reveals that the phone does not have the same SIM card used to create the account, app access may be restricted. However, it is stated that the user's past chats will remain safe. This system will specifically apply to accounts with Indian +91 numbers. This is expected to curb accounts operating under fake numbers.

Questions raised about the new policy and its potential impact
Some organizations have expressed concern over this directive from the Department of Telecommunications. The Internet Freedom Foundation has urged the government to reconsider this rule, stating that it could cause practical difficulties for users. For example, problems using the app could arise during a SIM card failure, a phone change, or while traveling abroad. It's unclear when WhatsApp will release this feature for general users. However, it's certain that in the future, the use of messaging apps in India may be subject to stricter regulations than before.

Disclaimer: This content has been sourced and edited from News18 Hindi. While we have made modifications for clarity and presentation, the original content belongs to its respective authors and website. We do not claim ownership of the content.