India mandates active SIMs for WhatsApp, Telegram access under new cybersecurity rules

India’s Department of Telecommunications now requires messaging apps like WhatsApp and Telegram to verify active SIMs under the 2025 cybersecurity rules. Apps must link to devices within 90 days and submit reports in 120, with web logins reverified every six hours. The move combats cyber fraud causing ₹1,000 crore monthly losses, mostly from Southeast Asia, backed by major telecom operators.