India, Oct. 23 -- Messaging platforms including WhatsApp and Telegram are reportedly set to implement the Department of Telecommunications' (DoT) SIM-binding mandate from January 1, 2027, requiring their services to remain linked to the active SIM associated with a user's registered mobile number.

According to a Times of India report, platforms must complete implementation by December 31, 2026, ahead of the reported operational start date the following day. The requirement could affect users who access messaging apps on phones without the associated SIM.

The mandate stems from directions issued by the DoT in November last year under the Telecom Cyber Security Rules, 2024. The original directions named WhatsApp, Telegram, Signal, Snapcha...