Jio, Airtel, And Vi, Stand Against WhatsApp, Snapchat In Favour Of SIM Binding: Here's What's Happening

The Department of telecommunications introduced the new SIM binding rule and gave a time period of 90 days to major platforms like WhatsApp and Snapchat to apply the same. Now, while the social media platforms are

against the rule, India's largest telecom body, Cellular Operators Association of India (COAI), consisting of members like Jio, Airtel, and Vodafone Idea, are in its support. COAI stated that a process like SIM binding will help in minimising the number of financial scams, fraud calls, and spam that take place in the country. Nonetheless, the stance of Broadband India Forum that represents tech giants like Meta, Google and more in India said that the whole SIM binding technique is a problematic move moving forward. BIF claimed that the move has been made without any proper study or consultation with those involved in the matter. Following that, COAI has issued a new directive clearing the air and misconceptions around SIM binding. Before that, for those who are unaware, SIM Binding is the process under which the mentioned apps will have to register users only if their SIM card used for registration is physically inside the phone. And in case of web sessions, the users will be required to reverify every six hours.

COAI's Take On SIM Binding

COAI said that SIM binding is not going to cause any inconvenience to the users, and it is one of the most used elements in UPI and payments applications in the country. It will be working in the same way for the social media platforms too.Also Read: Microsoft, OpenAI, Google Could Land In Legal Trouble Over Delusional Outputs By AI Models, Here Is Why Furthermore, the body said that SIM binding will not cause any issues for overseas travellers. In addition, a subscriber will not be restricted from using communication apps (for foreigners), but the Indian recipient's SIM should be bound to the app. And yes, SIM binding will also not disrupt enterprise messaging APIs, business workflows, or CRM systems. It will be functional on a user account level.