Indian Govt Orders WhatsApp, Telegram To Block Users Without Active SIM

The Indian government has issued a major directive that could change how millions of people use popular messaging apps such as WhatsApp, Telegram, Signal, Snapchat, ShareChat, JioChat, Arattai, and Josh.

According to reports, the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) has asked these platforms to ensure that their services cannot be used unless the user has an active SIM card in their



device.

This move comes under the new Telecommunication Cybersecurity Amendment Rules, 2025, which bring app-based communication services under telecom-style regulation for the first time.

Under the new rules, these apps -- officially termed Telecommunication Identifier User Entities (TIUEs) -- must ensure that a user’s SIM card remains continuously linked to the app within 90 days.