No change in SIM-binding directions to platforms: Scindia

Communications Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia said on Wednesday that the SIM-binding directions from November 2025 would remain in force. This would require messaging apps, WhatsApp being the largest one, to do two things: forcibly log out users on services like WhatsApp Web every six hours and stop functioning if the user does not have the registered SIM provisioned on their device. February 28 is the deadline for compliance.

Mr. Scindia said these rules had been implemented for national security and anti-fraud reasons. “As of now, there is no thought on an extension” for compliance with the rules, Mr. Scindia said in response to a query from The Hindu during a press interaction. “The logout thing [after six hours] is only for multiple connections on the same instrument, when you go to your computer and so on and so forth … The rules stand as is at this point, and the reasons for that are very well-founded, which all of you are aware, not only from a fraud aspect, but also from a security aspect.”

WhatsApp parent Meta appears to be testing code in “beta” versions of the app that would show users a message saying that Indian regulations require the company to check if their SIM is still in the device. It is unclear whether the company also plans to comply with the six-hour logout period, which, its industry association, IAMAI, warned the government would be disruptive for professionals who rely on WhatsApp Web and for families that share a single WhatsApp account.

“There are some issues which are national security issues and there are some issues which are revenue implication issues,” Mr. Scindia said. “On national security issues, there can be no compromise.”

Starlink launch

On the long-awaited launch of the satellite Internet service Starlink, Mr. Scindia said that the SpaceX-owned firm has yet to complete its security demonstrations for the government using the “sample spectrum” it has been given for that purpose.

Mr. Scindia added that arrangements would also have to be made for the assignment of spectrum to Starlink, but he hoped that the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) would be able to arrange that before Starlink completes its demonstrations. The demonstrations to security agencies likely involve the firm showing that it can provide access to its Indian users’ networks, disable user terminals outside Indian borders, and switch off access when ordered to.

BSNL officer

Mr. Scindia also condemned the “shocking” demands and arrangements linked to a BSNL Director’s proposed visit to Prayagraj. He said that a show-cause notice had been issued and that action “will be taken”.

Earlier this week, an office order detailing massive personnel and material arrangements for Vivek Banzal, went viral. The order involved around 50 personnel being assigned tasks to ensure that Mr. Banzal would be attended to during a visit to Prayagraj.

Mr. Scindia said the order was “unbecoming and unacceptable”. “We won’t just let this go,” Mr. Scindia said. “It is shocking… it is unacceptable that in 21st century India such an order was issued.”

 Regarding BSNL’s financial performance, Mr. Scindia said the state-owned telco was generating “healthy cash flows”.