India’s Department of Telecommunications (DoT) has issued new directives requiring popular messaging apps to link accounts to the active SIM on a user’s device, aiming to curb rising digital fraud.
New SIM-Linked Rules for OTT Platforms
- Messaging and social apps such as WhatsApp, Signal, Telegram, Snapchat, and others must ensure that each account is connected to the active SIM on the device.
- Companies have 90 days to implement the change, after which penalties may apply for non-compliance.
- Web and desktop versions of these apps must automatically log users out every 6 hours and require fresh QR-based authentication.
- Officials stated the directive comes after almost a year of engagement with platform providers, prompted by increasing cases of online scams targeting Indian users.
Industry Concerns and Challenges
- Cross-device usage: The mandate could disrupt app functionality for users traveling abroad or using eSIMs or dual SIM devices.
- Small business operations: Persistent desktop sessions, critical for small businesses, may be affected.
- Fraud limitation: Experts note that SIM binding may not fully prevent fraud originating outside India, as scammers could exploit Indian SIM cards.
- Need for holistic measures: Observers recommend stronger SIM lifecycle management and coordinated fraud-detection frameworks to effectively address digital scams.
Summary
The DoT has mandated SIM-linked authentication for major messaging apps including WhatsApp, Signal, Telegram, and Snapchat to tackle online fraud. Apps must comply within 90 days, and desktop sessions will require periodic re-authentication. While intended to enhance security, the move raises operational concerns for international users, dual SIM devices, and businesses relying on continuous desktop access, prompting calls for more comprehensive fraud-prevention strategies.
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