COAI Welcomes DoT’s SIM-Binding Mandate for Apps Like WhatsApp
The Cellular Operators Association of India (COAI) has backed the government’s new directive requiring app-based communication services to be permanently linked to a user’s SIM card, stating it will strengthen national security and reduce cyber fraud.
Key Takeaways
- COAI supports DoT’s mandate for SIM-binding on apps like WhatsApp, Telegram, and Signal.
- The rule aims to ensure accountability, traceability, and curb misuse.
- WhatsApp Web users will be logged out automatically every 6 hours.
- COAI also urges RBI to mandate SMS OTP as primary factor for all financial transactions.
Lt. Gen. Dr. S.P. Kochhar, Director General of COAI, emphasized the security benefits.
“Continuous linkage ensures complete accountability and traceability for any activity undertaken by the SIM card and its associated communication app, thereby closing long-persistent gaps that have enabled anonymity and misuse,” said Lt. Gen. Dr. S.P. Kochhar.
Impact on Users and Platforms
The directive mandates that the SIM used during registration must be bound to services on platforms including WhatsApp, Telegram, Signal, Arattai, Snapchat, and Sharechat.
A significant user impact will be on web-based services. Because the service must remain tied to the physical SIM in the phone, platforms like WhatsApp Web will be forced to log users out automatically every six hours. This will disrupt the seamless multi-device experience many professionals rely on.
All affected platforms must submit a compliance report to the government within four months.
Push for SMS OTP as Primary Authentication
In a related recommendation, COAI has urged the DoT to collaborate with the Reserve Bank of India (RBI). The association wants SMS-based one-time passwords (OTPs) mandated as the primary authentication factor for all financial transactions.
“SMS OTP continues to remain the most secure, operator verified channel with guaranteed traceability. Strengthening this requirement will create a consistent and secure authentication framework across the financial ecosystem, further reducing the risk of fraud and reinforcing consumer trust,” the COAI statement said.
COAI described the SIM-binding rule as a necessary step for consumer trust and alignment with evolving digital regulations.
