Beginning March 1, 2026, all users in India will be mandated to connect messaging apps such as WhatsApp, Telegram, and Signal to their mobile SIM cards due to a new government regulation. This means that users will not be able to operate these apps without their genuine mobile SIM, causing significant concerns among WhatsApp users who fear the implications of this change. Reports indicate that the government will enforce strict actions against any app that fails to comply with this regulation, indicating that there will be no exceptions allowed.

Under the new rules, WhatsApp Web and Telegram Web users will need to rescan QR codes to log in every six hours, or their web sessions will be terminated. The government states that this move is crucial for preventing cyber fraud and fake accounts, as it requires that users operate the apps only with mobile numbers that have an actual SIM card installed in their phones. This regulation aims to crack down on issues such as fraudulent connections between mobile numbers and apps, impersonation, and mobile scams that have become rampant.

The Department of Telecommunications (DOT) has provided guidelines that explain the necessity of this rule in addressing various fraudulent activities that exploit the anonymity of mobile apps. While this regulation is designed to enhance security for users, it raises concerns over privacy and the potential inconvenience for users who may rely on these platforms without being tied to their mobile identities. The changes are sure to affect the daily communication of a vast number of users across India as they adapt to these new requirements.