WhatsApp Requests Additional Time to Implement New SIM Binding Policy

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The Indian Messaging Platform Seeks Additional Time to Implement SIM-Binding Directive

In a recent filing before the Supreme Court, a prominent Indian messaging platform has asked for an extension of 4-6 months to comply with the country’s SIM-binding directive. The request is aimed at addressing technical complexities and minimizing disruptions to legitimate users.

Background on the SIM-Binding Directive

In November 2025, the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) issued a directive requiring messaging platforms to tie user accounts to verified SIM cards and implement stricter session controls. This move is part of a broader effort to combat digital crimes, particularly “digital arrest” scams, where scammers impersonate law enforcement officials to extort funds from unsuspecting individuals.

“Technical integration and testing” are currently underway according to the company.

Implementation Challenges

According to the platform’s status report, full rollout of the SIM-binding feature is expected to take around 4-6 months. This timeframe is attributed to technical dependencies and the need to avoid disrupting legitimate users.

Supreme Court Scrutiny

The compliance issue is being closely watched by the Supreme Court, which has taken a suo motu writ petition against the platform. The court has directed a coordinated response from multiple agencies, including the Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre (I4C).

The case stems from a complaint lodged by a senior citizen couple who allegedly fell victim to digital arrest scams in 2025.
The financial impact of digital crimes is substantial, with Indians reportedly losing ₹1,935 crore to digital arrest scams in 2024 alone, representing a 471% increase compared to the previous year.
The Ministry of Home Affairs has highlighted the scale of the problem, emphasizing the need for stricter measures to prevent further losses.

Conclusion

The Indian messaging platform’s request for an additional 4-6 months to implement the SIM-binding directive highlights the complexity of the issue. While the company works towards compliance, the authorities continue to scrutinize the matter, underscoring the importance of effective regulation in preventing digital crimes.