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In simple terms, SIM binding means that your messaging account can only be accessed on a device that physically contains the same SIM card used during registration. If the SIM is removed, deactivated, or replaced with another SIM, the app will automatically block access and log the user out.
What is the reason for consumer dissatisfaction?
A major source of frustration is the new rule for desktop and web versions of the messaging apps that many of us rely on for work. Today, most professionals keep WhatsApp Web or Telegram desktop open throughout the day to coordinate with colleagues, clients, vendors, and teams.
Under the new SIM-binding regime, these desktop sessions will be forcibly logged out every six hours unless the user re-verifies the session via the SIM-bound mobile phone. This means that every six hours, users will have to manually approve another login by scanning the QR code.
This will also hurt households that deal with multiple devices on the same SIM, we are a country where shared devices are common, a child is often seen using his parent’s old phone on home Wi-Fi. All this is hindered by SIM binding.
WhatsApp will no longer work on old phones. Families will have to choose between purchasing separate phones and SIMs for each member or stopping using WhatsApp or Telegram on shared/spare devices.
Why has SIM binding been introduced?
The government argues that SIM binding is necessary to curb online fraud and cyber crime. By strictly linking messaging accounts to physical SIMs, DoT hopes to create an additional hardware-based layer of security that will make it more difficult for scammers to impersonate users, hijack accounts or lure contacts into fraudulent money transfers.
India’s move resembles China’s approach where messaging applications like WeChat are tied to a SIM card and mandatory “real name registration”.
Will SIM binding work?
However, cybersecurity experts are skeptical that the policy will substantially reduce the most dangerous forms of cybercrime.
Fraudsters clone (make fake copies) SIMs abroad (for example, Cambodia, Myanmar) and use them on cheap phones. Binding can’t tell clone from genuine, plus many scams originate outside India – DoT can’t force foreign networks to check SIMs.
So, when the question was asked “Will SIM binding work?” Here’s what the experts said: It might help a little with everyday scams but won’t stop fraud completely – it’s like keeping a lock on your door while thieves have a master key. This increases the hassle for honest users without fixing major problems.