Starting today, millions of WhatsApp accounts in India are set to be deactivated because of a new governmental regulation known as SIM binding. The deadline for compliance with this rule was set for February 28, and now it is officially in effect. The rule doesn’t just target WhatsApp; it is equally applicable to other messaging applications such as Telegram and Signal, impacting users who rely on linked devices to operate multiple smartphones.

In India, WhatsApp is immensely popular, boasting approximately 853 million users, many of whom manage to access the service on two or more smartphones using a single SIM card. The implementation of the SIM binding rule means that smartphones without an active SIM card will cease to be able to run WhatsApp. Reports estimate that over 20 million users could be affected, particularly those who utilize a single SIM on multiple devices. Interestingly, users will still be able to access WhatsApp via their web versions on laptops and PCs, allowing some continuity for messaging amidst this significant change.

The Department of Telecommunications (DoT) has introduced this SIM binding regulation to curb misuse of messaging applications and enhance security measures. While these changes aim at improving user accountability, they also raise concerns about user accessibility and the impact on millions who depend on the service for both personal and professional communications. This move marks a broader trend in India toward stricter controls on digital communication tools, reflecting an increasing focus on regulatory measures in the telecommunications sector.