The Economic Times

No extension to OTT SIM binding deadline: Govt cites security concerns, says messaging apps must comply with March 1 date

Communications minister Jyotiraditya Scindia has rejected calls for an extension on SIM binding for OTT apps. This mandate, effective March 1, requires apps like WhatsApp to link to a registered SIM card. Scindia emphasized national security as the driving force behind this decision. He stated that user experience concerns are secondary to security imperatives.