The Indian Department of Telecommunications (DoT) has issued a regulatory directive requiring app-based communication service providers to ensure that their platforms cannot be used without an active SIM card linked to the user's mobile number. This directive affects popular messaging apps such as WhatsApp, Telegram, Snapchat, Signal, and several Indian-origin apps that use Indian mobile numbers as telecommunication identifier user entities (TIUEs). The motivation behind this policy is to combat the misuse of telecommunication identifiers for phishing, scams, and cyber fraud, particularly cross-border fraud where accounts remain active even after SIM removal or deactivation. The directive mandates continuous SIM binding, periodic logout of web sessions every six hours, and re-linking via QR codes to enforce repeated authentication. This approach reduces the risk of remote account takeovers and misuse by requiring threat actors to repeatedly prove control over the account. Additionally, it ensures that every active account is tied to a KYC-verified SIM, enhancing traceability for law enforcement. The policy extends existing SIM-binding and session management rules from banking and payment apps to messaging platforms, reflecting a broader effort to secure telecom cybersecurity. The DoT also plans to implement a Mobile Number Validation (MNV) platform to verify mobile number ownership in a privacy-compliant manner. While this directive strengthens security within India, it may introduce usability challenges and affect users who frequently change SIMs or travel internationally. The directive does not represent a vulnerability in the traditional sense but a regulatory security control aimed at reducing fraud risks associated with messaging apps.

For European organizations, the direct technical impact is limited since the directive applies to messaging apps operating with Indian mobile numbers. However, European entities with business ties to India or with employees using Indian SIM-based messaging accounts may experience indirect effects, such as increased friction in communication or challenges in cross-border fraud investigations. The policy reduces the risk of fraudulent activities originating from Indian numbers, which may decrease scam attempts targeting European users via Indian numbers. Conversely, fraudsters may shift tactics or target other regions, potentially increasing threats elsewhere. Organizations in Europe involved in digital identity verification, telecom services, or messaging app development should monitor these regulatory changes for compliance and interoperability implications. The enhanced traceability and KYC enforcement may improve cooperation between Indian and European law enforcement agencies in combating cyber fraud. Overall, the impact is moderate, primarily affecting cross-border fraud dynamics and user experience for those interacting with Indian mobile number-based services.

European organizations should: 1) Educate employees and users about the new Indian SIM-binding requirements and potential impacts on messaging app usage, especially for those with Indian mobile numbers. 2) Implement monitoring for phishing and scam attempts originating from Indian numbers, adjusting threat intelligence feeds accordingly. 3) Collaborate with Indian partners to understand compliance requirements and ensure interoperability of communication channels. 4) Enhance fraud detection systems to account for changes in attacker behavior due to these regulatory measures. 5) For messaging app developers and service providers operating in Europe with Indian users, implement mechanisms to support SIM-binding and periodic re-authentication as per Indian regulations. 6) Engage with legal and compliance teams to assess data privacy and cross-border data sharing implications arising from increased KYC enforcement. 7) Maintain updated incident response plans that consider potential shifts in fraud patterns due to these changes. 8) Leverage Mobile Number Validation (MNV) platforms where applicable to verify user identities and reduce mule account risks. These targeted actions go beyond generic advice by focusing on cross-border operational, compliance, and threat intelligence adaptations.