WhatsApp has informed a government-appointed committee that it requires an additional four to six months to comply with India’s SIM-binding directive, citing technical complexities and the need to avoid disruption to users. The request forms part of a status report submitted before the Supreme Court in connection with rising cyber fraud cases involving messaging platforms.
According to the status report filed on 30 March by the Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre (I4C), WhatsApp told the Inter-Departmental Committee that implementation is underway but requires more time.
The platform stated that “work on SIM binding implementation is underway, including technical integration and testing”, but added that “full rollout may require approximately 4–6 months due to technical dependencies and the need to avoid disruption to legitimate users.”
The directive had been issued by the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) in November 2025, requiring messaging platforms to link user accounts to verified SIM cards and enforce session controls.
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Supreme Court Case Triggered By Digital Arrest Fraud
The compliance issue is being examined in the context of a suo motu writ petition initiated by the Supreme Court in October 2025. The case arose after a senior citizen couple from Ambala reported losing ₹1.05 crore to scammers impersonating authorities through WhatsApp.
The bench, led by Chief Justice Surya Kant along with Justices Joymalya Bagchi and N.V. Anjaria, has since directed a coordinated response involving multiple agencies.
“Digital arrest” scams—where fraudsters pose as law enforcement officials over video calls and coerce victims into transferring money—have become a major concern for authorities.
Government Push To Curb Fraud Through SIM Binding
The SIM-binding mandate aims to prevent cybercriminals from reusing phone numbers to create new accounts after being banned. Authorities believe this tactic has allowed fraud networks to persist despite enforcement actions.
Under the directive, messaging platforms using Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP)—including WhatsApp, Telegram, Signal, and Arattai—must ensure accounts remain tied to verified SIM cards and enforce stricter session controls.
The measure is part of a broader cybersecurity push to strengthen traceability and reduce misuse of digital communication platforms.
Rising Financial Impact Of Cyber Fraud
Government data highlights the scale of the issue. According to a parliamentary statement by the Ministry of Home Affairs, Indians lost ₹1,935 crore to digital arrest scams in 2024, marking a 471% increase compared to the previous year.
The increasing sophistication of such scams has prompted regulatory intervention, with authorities seeking tighter control over telecom-linked digital identities.
About the author – Ayesha Aayat is a law student and contributor covering cybercrime, online frauds, and digital safety concerns. Her writing aims to raise awareness about evolving cyber threats and legal responses.
