The public is becoming skeptical of a new government plan to more tightly tie popular messaging apps like WhatsApp and Telegram to users’ SIM cards. Following this order, a recent survey shows that most Indians do not support the so-called continuous SIM-binding rule, saying it will make everyday communications more cumbersome and hinder them from using their favorite apps. According to a study released by community social media platform LocalCircles, nearly 60 percent of consumers said they would be directly affected if the new directive comes into effect. Half of them said they completely opposed the measure because of the inconvenience it would cause.

The Department of Telecommunications (DoT) announced the new SIM-binding rule earlier this month, under which messaging platforms will have to continuously link app access to the SIM card used during registration. The regulation also mandates that users of web versions of these apps, such as WhatsApp Web, must automatically log out at least once every six hours. According to the government, the move is aimed at curbing digital scams and impersonation attempts.

But the public reaction tells a different story.

Survey shows resistance to SIM-binding

The LocalCircles survey, which collected over 1.15 lakh responses from 332 districts across India, found widespread concern about the impact of the directive. A large number of respondents said they regularly use messaging apps on multiple devices, including tablets, laptops and desktops, many of which do not have SIM cards.

Nearly four in ten participants said they regularly use messaging or calling apps on devices without a SIM card, while a third said they do so occasionally. Only a quarter said they never use such apps without a SIM. This means the new rule could immediately disrupt how millions of people use WhatsApp or Telegram on a variety of devices, especially in workplaces and educational settings.

When asked how the new regulation would impact them, 30 percent said it would have a significant impact on their app usage, while another 30 percent said they would be affected to some extent. Only one-third of respondents said they would not be affected at all.

Even among those who accept the security argument, enthusiasm is low. Nearly two in three respondents said SIM-binding could improve user security and help reduce misuse of communications apps, but many also felt that these benefits come at too high a cost in terms of usability. About 15 percent said it would make sending messages more difficult without providing any real security benefits.

“The survey shows that a large number of users believe SIM-binding can increase security, but many are concerned about the disruption it could cause, especially for those who rely on multiple devices,” LocalCircles said in its report.

Privacy Fears and Practical Barriers

DoT’s plan, though well-intentioned, raises serious implementation and privacy questions. The rule will require each linked device to verify access through the same SIM-based connection, making it harder for users to seamlessly switch between phones, tablets or computers.

This regulation also presents challenges for those who travel frequently. More than half of the respondents (52 percent) said they would not mind being locked out of their Indian WhatsApp account if their SIM is deactivated or replaced with a foreign SIM while abroad, even if they still have Wi-Fi access. Only 16 percent said they were comfortable with that possibility.

DoT has then clarified that this rule will not apply to users on international roaming provided their Indian SIM remains in the device. However, how this selective enforcement would work in practice is unclear.

As far as preparedness is concerned, the survey shows mixed results. About 39 percent of respondents said they are completely ready to link their app accounts to SIM verification on every device, while 19 percent said they are willing but apprehensive. Another 30 percent said they were either not ready or completely opposed to SIM-binding.

Supporters of the policy, including the Cellular Operators Association of India (COAI), argue that it could make it easier to detect scammers and spam accounts. But security experts say the rule does not address more sophisticated fraud methods, and may cause more inconvenience to legitimate users than malicious actors.

Reaction prompts government to rethink

This is not the first time DoT has faced public backlash over new digital measures. Just last week, it was forced to withdraw its earlier order requiring smartphone makers to pre-install the government’s Sanchar Saathi app on all new devices and push it to existing devices through a software update.

Looking at the response to SIM-binding, experts believe that the government may have to reconsider this scheme as well. LocalCircles suggested that instead of making SIM-binding mandatory, DoT could explore an opt-in model, allowing users to opt for additional security if they wish.

With public opinion divided and privacy advocates ringing alarm bells, the government’s latest attempt to tighten digital security could spark a major debate over how much control users should have over their digital lives.