Communications Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia has stated that the government has no intention of weakening SIM binding requirements or easing the six-hour mandatory logout rule for web-based messaging services, stressing that national security is more important than financial considerations.
Speaking informally to the media, he said there was “no thought on relaxing the mandatory logout of web sessions beyond six hours,” and emphasized that “the rules stood as they were.”
Scindia Rules Out Easing SIM Binding and Six-Hour Logout Norms, Cites National Security Priority
He clarified that the automatic logout rule applies only to web and desktop versions of messaging apps that use virtual connections, and does not affect direct usage on mobile phones.
The Department of Telecommunications (DoT) has also rejected calls to extend the February 28 deadline set for compliance.
On November 28, 2025, the DoT introduced these requirements under the Telecom Cyber Security Rules, 2024.
The directive makes it compulsory for OTT messaging platforms such as WhatsApp, Telegram, and Signal to stay continuously linked to a user’s active SIM card.
If a user removes or deactivates the original SIM card, the messaging application must immediately stop working on that device.
Additionally, web and laptop versions of these apps are required to log users out automatically every six hours, after which users must log back in through QR code authentication.
The compliance period runs from February 26 to February 28, 2026—90 days after the directive was issued—and companies must file their compliance reports by March 28.
Industry groups representing messaging companies have raised concerns that enforcing SIM binding could negatively affect user experience and disrupt services.
However, the DoT has maintained that the framework was developed following public consultations and is being enforced strictly as a national security safeguard.
Officials have reiterated, “SIM binding is needed for preventing fraud and ensuring security. There can be no compromise on national security.”
Scindia Says National Security Takes Priority Over Revenue Concerns in Telecom Policy
Scindia further reinforced that security priorities override any possible financial losses for the government or telecom companies, saying, “Security issues take precedence on national interest grounds when weighed against potential revenue impacts.”
Regarding requests from some telecom firms for Adjusted Gross Revenue (AGR) relief, he explained that the DoT is bound by the Supreme Court of India ruling in the case involving Vodafone Idea.
He added that any other telecom operator seeking similar relief could “take the same route,” referring to the legal process followed in that case.
On the subject of the upcoming spectrum auction, Scindia confirmed that the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) has already submitted its recommendations.
The DoT will now review these suggestions, including decisions on different spectrum bands and reserve pricing.
He stated, “These recommendations will be evaluated and the specific timeline will be released at a later date,” indicating that the auction schedule will be announced after internal review.
Scindia also expressed enthusiasm about expanding satellite communication services across India, saying he was “eager to start satellite services.”
He explained that launching satellite services depends on two major conditions: finalizing the pricing for spectrum allocation and ensuring all required security standards are satisfied.
Once these requirements are fulfilled, the government can proceed with assigning spectrum to operators.
The DoT has already drafted standard security guidelines for satellite communication providers, and companies that meet these criteria will be permitted to roll out services once their spectrum allocation is approved.
