Government Takes Key Decision Introducing New Regulations for Messaging Apps

The government has reportedly extended the deadline for implementing the SIM binding regulation, which mandates that mobile messaging apps such as WhatsApp, Telegram and Signal function only on smartphones with an active SIM card, until December 31. Sources indicate that this decision was made following requests from industry stakeholders.

Additionally, the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) has removed the previously mandatory six-hour logout requirement for the web versions of these apps. In its place, it has introduced a risk-based logout mechanism.